$4.95 January 1990
EXPLORING THE POWER
OF
SINCLAIR COMPUTERS
m CAMBRIDGE Z88
Portable Power
HE SINCLAIR TIM TS-2068
Versatile Desk Topper
THE SINCLAIR QL
32 Bit Power House
In this issue. . .
* EXPLORING MS-DOS * LINKING (XMPOTERS * GETTING COMFORTABLE WITH EASEL
* TS-2068 SPRITES * PASCAL * SLAVE PROCESSING * PLOTTING RADICALS
* PRINTER SET OPS * REVIEWS- PC CONQUEROR - FLASH BACK * Z88 HINTS AND TIPS
PLUS- NEW ISSUE DISKS FOR BOffl IHE SINCLAIR QL ID IBE
UPDATE MAGAZINE
1317 Stratford Ave.
Panama City, FL 32404
904 871 3556
News and New Products
LKDOS SOFT-WARE
jiiimmnHHUi
LKDOS .
MAXCQM 300/1200 baud Ttrminal/BBS
This full ftatura modtm softwara Uls you tfftctlvly link tht modttn to tha disk, so you can upload or
download flits larg«r than lOOK.Thls Itts you sand NMI savas and larga t«xt flits as wall as Basic or Coda
flits, which od.tr modtm programs couldn't stnd btcaust of mtmory limitations. Also flits can bt stnt with
or without a Information htadtr (Sptc-tsrm compatible) .
It also has a 64 column display and Is tht only 2068 modtm program that will run at full 1200 baud
without missing characttrs. Qlhtr ftaturts of tha tarmlnal modi art IBM graphic charactars. auto-dlaltr.
macro ktys, I10K disk bufftr for capturtd ttxt. auto rtptat ktya.
Iht BBS Is tht most tlahoratt nvallablt for tht 2068 and allows tha rtmott usar full acctss to tht disk
drlvts similar to a CPM BBS. Ftaturts of tht BBS art - 300/1200 baud, optrallon with fast rtponct tvtn at
1200 baud. Passwords, priority Itvtls. Ust tlmt limits. Multlpla Mtssagt Basts. Uploads and Downloads art
hot llmll.d by Mtmory. Dual Window Monitor scrttn. Inttrupt drlvtn tlmt out and Hangup prottcllon. Also
Kttps a Usar log of callars Namts and Activity on disk so a prlntar Isnl nttdtd and Its taslly customlstd and
txpandtd.
MAXCOM can bt ustd with tht 2050 modtm or with tha Z-SIO RS232 Intarfaca and a 300/1200 baud
modtm. (a vtrslon for tht Atrco RS232 Is In tha works).
PRICEi $24.95
LAftKEN DISK EDITOR
This program Itts you txamlnt or chahgt any bytt on a LKdos disk. It Is ustful In rtpairlng damagtd or
glltchad disks, changing tht disk Nama or htad spttd ate. You can also txamlnt tht track map and disk Info
h*Th!rdocumtntatlon for tht disk tdltor also Includts Information on how to acctss LKdos from Machlnt
Codt and Information on tbt structurt of tht disk catalog and data blocks.
PniCE: $15.00
SEQUENTIAL/RANDOM Acctss FILES
This utility Is a ram rtsldtnt txttnslon to tht LKdos oparatlng systam and Itts you craata. rtad from, or
wrlta to vary larga data flits ktpt on disk. It usas tha commands OPEN*. CLQSEll. PRINT*. INPUTl. and
INKEYSjl to acctss tha flits from BASIC. Thtrt Is also a high spttd starch command for finding a ttxt string
within tht data flit. Using tht TAB command, you can randomly acctss dlrtctly any racord In a flit.
Tht utility Is taslly usad within your basic programs and has a lot of usts. from storing larga data flits,
crtatlng largt spall chtcktr dictionary* or tvtn converting you basic programs to an ascll ttxt Ola .
This utility Itts you takt tht limits off of tht data capacity of tht 2068 .Flits on disk can bt hug. I
A slmplt data bast program Is Includad on tht disk to dtmonslratt tht utility.
PRICE« $ 15.00
Coming Soon from Larktn Elactronlcs
• • Tht Larkan Dtsk Top Publlshar Product high quality printing (Ilka this pagt ) with an tpson compatlbla
prlnttr and LKdos. Tht tntlrt Hl-rts graphic paga Is ktpt on tht disk and scrolling though tht pagt Is as aasy
as clicking tht joystick or moust on tht Icon typa manu. Taxt and Graphic tdltlng with multlpla slrtd fonts
will also bt ftaturtd.
Sptll Chtcktr for Tasword and M-Scrlpt This utility program will Itt you havt your wordprocassor
ttxt flits bt chtcktd by a 350K dictionary.
All Prlcas $US - Sptclfy typt of drlvt whtn ordtrlng.
LARKEN ELECTRONICS F1RH2 NAVAN. QNTAniO CANADA. K4B-1H9 1 d,
(6131:835-2680
UPDATE WTCKZTW,
MOTIONS MM W QL EDITOR
1990 promises to be the best year yet for
the QL. There are lots of new hardware and
software products. Many serious QL users will
buy hard disks. 24 pin printers are catching
on. The Panasonic KXP-1124 (about $300) seems
to be the most popular choice. The book QL
Superbasic - The Definitive Handbook by Jan
Jones is available again through QUANTA. I
highly recommend it. On the software front
there is a new PC Emulator, PC CDNQUERCR, by
Digital Precision. We will be checking out in
detail starting in this issue. Many QL users
have already bought it and others are wondering
if they should. The whole QL/PC connection is
going to be covered extensively in UPDATE.
TEXT87 continues to evolve as an alternative to
Quill having many more extra features for those
with 24 pin printers. I just released CHADS
BUSTERS described elsewhere in this issue.
There is a lot of interest in this utility
software area. After all, this mess on our
desks was created by the computer. We need the
power of the computer to tackle it.
I just received the farewell issue of
Quantum Levels. It hurts us to lose such a
techically competent magazine. I'm impressed
- that al 1 funds due the subscribers are being
refunded. We certainly owe a lot to Tom Bent,
Jeff Moore, and Basil Wentworth for their hard
work and high standards. We hope that they will
continue to play a role in Sinclair Computing
with the QL. In the New World, Update seems to
be the only magazine left reliably providing
serious coverage of the QL. Since you are
reading this you are probably a subscriber, but
you can try getting other QL users to you know
to subscribe. It is critical for us to feel a
demand in the coming months to insure that
UPDATE will continue to be published.. Also,' we
each should support as many user groups as we
can and become members of SNUG. If we fail to
keep our main ccmnuni cations trunk alive we will
all wither on the branches. Even with all its
quirks the QL is a remarkably capable computer
and it has many useful years ahead.
In this issue of Update we master PRINTING
with QUILL. This is an area of immense
confusion but Peter Hale guides us through how
to configure the Quill software for printing.
Next issue Bill Jones will explore the subject
in more detail . Also in this issue I will
explore plotting curves with EASEL, Bob Hartung
will review PC CONQUEROR. He and Bill Jones
will explore the concepts of Disk Operating
Systems. Dave Youngquist reviews FLASHBACK and
gives us a Superbasic program to put Directories
in a file suitable for import to Flashback. Tim
Stoddard provides the first part of a much
needed User Guide for the Trump Card.
Next issue continues David McCall's series
on Windows and another part of Tim's Trump
Manual. I will begin reviewing PC verisons of
the PSION suite with my Amstrad MS-DOS portable.
1990 should be a good year! Bill Cable.
SINCLAIR QL ISSUE DISKS (MDV)
The following new issue disks are offered for QL
systems of all configurations. The programs are
on either 80 track Diskette or MDV cartridge.
If ordering for MDV send a formatted MDV
cartridge. All prices are $22.00 (post paid) and
are guaranteed to satisfy.
1. "HARTUNG COLLECTION" DISK
Address and QSO file managers, plus a raft
of disk utilities. All in Superbasic. Lots of
tricks and hints for the programmers . Requires
some knowledge of Superbasic or a yen to learn.
2.. "FUG QLUTer" DISK
QLUTer - QL UTilities to un-cl utter your
disks and tapes. COPY, DELETE, FORMAT, PRINT,
VIEW functions. TURBO compiled for SPEED.
Multi tasks and minimal key press. Also has--
SNAP SHOT - a directory column or condensed
print out program. ALSO includes "VEGEMAT" - a
CLONE making program.
3. "FfflG QLUSTer" DISK
QLUSTer - very similiar to QLUTer (above)
but has extended functions using some SUPER
TOOLKIT II features. You must have the Toolkit
(TK2_EXT) for this program. SNAP SHOT and
VEGEmat also included.
4. CABLE ARCHIVE DISK
ARCHIVE utilities and exensive doc file
instruction manuals. Programs are: REFIEU),
SCAN, SPLIT, JOIN, DIR, FILER, FREQ. For
Beginner to Advanced user. These programs
GREATLY EXTEND the capabilities of ARCHIVE and
the manuals lead one to complete understanding
of Archive and these extensions.
U ondvOng ion. MDV -6<uid two mdv owOvLdge^- too
many pnjogncuM to iXt into one. ccuvt.
5. "CABLE HELPER2" DISK
A very useful TOOLKIT program for managing
both DISKS and MICRODRIVE. HELPER lets you copy
from one medium to another, Read or Copy doc
files to paper or screen, repeat format mdv
carts or floppy. Uses screen windows to see two
directories from and to, copies over existing
files in disk mdv, copy selected files. Does
not conflict with TK2.
Order to UPDATE Magazine, address on cover.
Check or money order accepted.
3
UPDATE MBGAZINE
SUCLAIR TIMEX POBLISHHIG
January 1990
S1*TAX
The Boot Hill of Sinclair publishing has more
stones than I thought until I began reminiscing. I
subscribed to those listed from their first issue
until their demise. These magaxines taught me how
• to use the ZX8Q, 2X31 , TS100Q, TS2068, and the
Sinclair QL. They also sponsored a sense of
camaraderie and cooperation amongst Sinclair and
Timer users and their supporters that has not been
equaled. I think that the Olsen family who
published SETO! likely can be credited with
starting this traditional spirit of S-T users in
Horth America. Fred Hachbaur, a Canadian who
founded Sjncware Sews, also had a lot to do with
building the spirit of this unorganised but
cooperating group of users in two great Countries.
We ignored boundaries in our quest for education
and hobby- computing. Each successive publisher has
contributed greatly to continue a communications
link across the great distance from the Arctic to
the semi-tropic and the Atlantic to the Pacific
between Sinclair Timex users and their supporters.
Most of us cut our "computer teeth" with these
magaxines. He also owe them our thanks for
providing the media to allow entrepreneur designers
to reach us with needed software and devices that
have enhanced our computing abilities.
This era of Sinclair Timex publishing is about
to come to a close, Update seems to be the last
survivor and the subscription support is
insufficient to allow continuance beyond this
subscription year. The issue year ends with the
July issue, which will be the closing issue.
My own part in the publishing scene has been
enjoyable, but a lot of hard work. Subscriptions
never reached the level that would allow the hiring
af even a typist, and the magaxine collating has
been by hand. The writing part has been the
easiest. Copying and assembling 30,000 to 50,000
pages by hand (to save a buck) is not the way that
most magaxines are published. I believe that you
will understand when I say that I have reached the
"burn out" stage. And I hope that this will also
help ail understand why the publishers of SyncJfare
Sews and Quantum Levels made their decision to
close out.
SSOG M BE THE LAST DEFENDER OF T5E FORT
Last year 1 offered "Update magaxine on a
platter" to SHUG, I am publicaliy renewing this
offer to SHUG for them to take over publishing
Opdate as the SHUG publication with the October
1SS0 issue. At last report SHUG had around 130
members most of whom are subscribers to Opdate.
The result of SHUG taking Opdate and continuing
would be a FOUR FOLD increase in SHUG membership
and a better chance for them to succeed in
accomplishing their goals. I would invision SHUG
trimming Update to about 30 pages, which would
provide a modest profit to help support some of
their other goals. Once Update discontinues
publication this chance will be lost forever. Also
lost will be the communications link between most
of the active Sinclair users and their supporting
programmers and suppliers. Once this link is lost
it will be practically impossible for SHUG to build
itself into a viable group. In fact, it just wont
The two remaining issues of Update can be used
by SHUG to announce their intentions and to
encourage folks to re-subscribe. I believe that
SHUG has the responsibility to accept # this offer
and prevent publication support from expiring.
The most important need that SHUG can fulfill
is the continuance of publication support. The
alternative is obscurity. SHUG is a non-profit
organisation operated by. volenteers. .Sinclair
Magaxine publishing for the past five years* has
also been non-profit, but accomplished by "single
volenteers". If we could do it singly then SHUG
can do it as a group organisation. It is now time
for SHUG to progress from the talking stage to the
doing stage and to fulfill their chartered
obligations.
My view is that SHUG needs courage and vigor
from their staff to gain volenteers and
participation by the users. That, and SHUG's
success, can only be achieved by continuous
publicity and a steady "sell job" in their own
publication. Sow is the time for SHUG members to
write and give guidance to the SHUG staff about
this important need. And, that is how it is for
the future support of Sinclair Computing in Horth
America (as I see it). Bill Jones
UPDATE MAGAZINE
January 1990
TS-lUt kthiitiU
How Goes It?
There are now three predominent Disk systems
for the TS-2068. Their order of usage is:
LKDOS, Oliger SAFE DOS, TOS, and Aerco FD-68.
TOS DISK users hang in there with determination
but receive little support. User activities
during 1989 has been away from the Aerco FD-68,
mostly toward LKDOS. Quite a number of FD-68
users have acquired the LKDOS system and have
abandoned the un-completed Aerco system. The
FD-68 was my first Disk System and I did a lot
of programming with it. The first Disk version
of my "Smart Text" sofware was produced for the
FD-68. I became dis-enchanted with the FD-68
when its high power usage fried two of my
computers. Dan Elliott has the solution to that
problem, but the solution came after a lot of
users had fried their computers and gone to a
different computer. It appears that few FD-68
users remain except the "CP/M Hacks".
There still remains a nucleus of FD-68 users
who are dedicated to CP/M usage, which is really
the strongest asset of the FD-68. These CP/M
users are very self sufficient and specialized.
As to the DOS itself, Aerco never did finish the
source code to enable the most useful
extensions, such as the Numeric and Character
Array SAVE/LOAD and other features that LKDOS
and Oliger DOS have. In its incomplete state
the FD-68 DOS is far inferior to both LKDOS and
Oliger DOS, and it is no wonder that the users
have become disenchanted, especially when AERCO
is so slow and un- cooperative with user support.
There has been little participation in or
call for ISSUE DISK support in the FD-68 area,
so little that UPDATE will discontinue the issue
disks for the FD-68. If a sufficient number of
complaints about this action are received, which
indicate a demand, this decision will be
reversed. I have two of the FD-68 systems and
will be glad to resume work with the FD-68 if
there is a demand revealed. So, all are invited
to COMPLAIN LOUDLY.
A good many Oliger DOS users have also moved
into LKDOS, keeping their SAFE system and using
BOTH systems together. Update began "heavy on
SAFE", then during 1989 became "heavy on LKDOS".
Of the two, SAFE DOS is faster. Both systems
have good EXTRA BASIC functions but LKDOS has
more functions, notably the screen window group
and Sequential Files. Update will try to keep
up the Issue Disk Program Library for both LKDOS
and Oliger SAFE DOS. But user participation is
needed to maintain Disk Software Support.
DOS SYSTEM SUPPORT
Quite a lot of NEW Software and Utilities
for Disk Systems have been introduced during
1989. Most of the new programs have been
generated by Update Magazine for the two
systems, The Toronto TSUG for LKDOS, and Larry
Kenny himself for LKDOS. Larry has _ an
outstanding "Sequential Files Manager" on disk,
and is about to release a Desk Top Publisher and
a Spelling Dictionary. Jack Dohany has kinda
made a career out of updating MSCRIPT. Now he
is working on improving a British Word
Processor. TASWORD and MSCRIPT seem to continue
as the "Most Used" word processors, with Smart
Text being third. Update Magazine (Yours Truly)
came in during 1989 with "Daisy. B6", a new
concept in TS-2068 software. This Daisy program
is a big expansion of the earlier Smart Text.
The Daisy Software is about 80K in program
length and uses MERGE extesively to boot in
program utilities as needed. It can do so many
things that it defies discription. Principally
Daisy is a massive Data Base program, supported
by its own Word Processor. Daisy has undergone
the acid test. I use it for half or more of the
publishing of Update Magazine because I can do
such good formatting with it. Why would I do
that when I have a Sinclair QL and its good Data
Base and Word Processor? Well, that speaks for
the Daisy software, doesn't it? And, I can
create the data files to disk, many pages, and
then order up the printing in one consecutive
print run.
The Smart Text software does most of the
above, but Daisy can handle much larger text
bases in memory before a SAVE is required-
about 20K or 5-8 pages. Both Daisy and Smart
Text can use Mail Files to print letters to
several hundred persons on a consecutive print
run- all addressed and perfectly formatted- even
to the signature line! And both have a Mail
Merge annex to create their own mailing lists.
1988-89 also brought in other disk software,
such as Bob Mitchell's View Calc for LKDOS.
Bob's VC made me buy View Calc on cassette from
RMG ($9.95). Imagine that! An up-scaled DOS
user buying a cassette software! I did it to be
legal using the View Calc Code. Once I loaded
the code from cassette the trash can got the
cassette. Actually I was already a bonafide
owner of VC, but the program was purchased back
in 1864 during the Civil War. The tape was so
old that it broke when I tried to load it. That
brought on a project of rumaging through about
250 old cassette programs, and you know what? I
found that that mountain of Cassette programs
was just so much junk! About the only programs
that I kept was the "Hot Z" series. The trash
can got the rest.
And there are some TS-2068 DOS users who are
still trying to make do with their old cassette
library! Anyone who spends 200 smackaroos for a
Disk Interface, then 200 more skins for disk
drives, and is willing to use cassette based
software, is kinda wierd. Anyway- -
1988-1989 brought on other good DISK
SOFTWARE. "Mail Merge", a RECORD data base
software, was introduced by Update Magazine.
The Mail Merge software creates a group of
records like Mailing Lists or inventory records,
then prints them out to paper or to labels. Mail
Merge also creates "Outlines" for that type of
need. The Outline data base is flexible and can
be set up for any number of topics and any number
of sub- topics of each. Such records can be
endless, as the software manages the files in and
out of disk drive. Mail Merge also has a very
flexible print out with either a full size
printer or the TS-2040. Letter head stationary
5
UPDATE MRGaZIHE
/'1KGS
January 1990
is also a print product, as well as Labels or
listings to paper.
Another outstanding set of DISK MANAGEMENT
UTILITIES for the Oliger DOS was introduced by
Update Magazine. Bob Hartung is the author.
This "DOSDEX" utility disk manages Oliger DOS
Disks to a perfection. A similiar set of
utilites for LKDOS is available from the Toronto,
Canada TSUG.
More good software and utilities will come
this year. I'm working on ,fDbaselM, a huge
update to the Mail Merge program. It appears
that this program will be able to Sort by any
line of the records- by first group or last group
within the line. Also it will sort any number of
files IN DISK. Then we'll have the capability to
create and sort any size of a continuous file-
say 10,000 Mailing List records, by last name or
by Zip Code- or a similiar large inventory file
sorted by stock number or part name or re-order
level !
TS-2068 DOS users have it pretty lucky with
so much NEW software and utilities available. It
would be neat if more users would take advantage
and buy some of the good stuff. That would
encourage the programmers to keep on working. By
the way, try doing a similiar print out as these
two pages are formatted with your word processor.
This is done with the Daisy. B6 software.
The Update TS-2068 Disk Library
The following Disk software and utilities are
offered. The individual disk listings are given
by TYPE of DOS that the disks are prepared for.
The disks are available on 5-1/4" Double
Side Double Density Diskettes, either 40 Track
(360K) or 80 Track (720K) disk drives. .If you
have a -5-1/4 inch disk drive these disks will
work in your system. Each disk has at least 300K
of programs and utilities. The price is $22.00
per disk (postage paid) (add $1.00 to Canada).
Checks or Money Order.
DAISY.B6 ; A Ccnplete TS-2068 Software System,
Data base management, Word Processing,
Automatic formatting, Disk Management.
Over 20 integrated programs, including a
Mail Merge annex. For LKDOS Only. (Oliger
DOS users order Smart Text.) An Update
Magazine Software.
SMART W! : A versatile Data Base and Word
Processor software. Includes a Mail Merge
annex to create mailing lists for
automatic repeat letters. Label printing,
Disk Management. By Update Magazine. For
Oliger DOS Only.
DOSDEX : A set of DISK MANAGEMENT programs for
the OLIGER DOS. By Bob Hartung.
VIEW fflLC UPGRADE : The old PSION View Calc
program Expanded and Converted for LKDOS
with Spread Sheet Printer. By Bob
Mitchell. For LKDOS Only.
1988 UPDATE COLLECTION: The Hail Merge Software
plus the disk filled with utilities. For
LKDOS or Oliger DOS
1989 UPDATE COLLECTION: Filled with all of the
utility programs published during 1989.
LKDOS or Oliger DOS
SfflRT TEXT 64: (Caning) Smart Text software in
64 Column Screen for use with the Zebra
OS-64 Cartridge. For OLIGER DOS ONLY.
(Do not order until release is announced)
rl : (Coming) A new RECORD software. The
data base will be very flexible with
applications for Mail Lists, Inventories,
or just about any purpose one needs. Sort
by any line, and by first or last group
within the line. A "Sort Disk Files"
feature will allow one to create and sort
thousands of continuous records. (Do not
order until release is announced. >
1990 UPDATE COLLECTION: All of the Utility
programs being published during this
current year, (to be released in Oct.)
PUBLIC KMLH TOWS: Update, ki lUwMij
hundreds of public domain programs, likely
as large a collection as exists. Most
have bugs of one sort or another. In
comparison with the above DISK SOFTWARE
the PD programs are miniscule, but sane
can be made into snappy "single purpose"
utilities. If interest is expressed we
may do some De-bugging and conversions of
these PD programs and re- release them in
groups of 5-10 programs for both Disk and
Cassette. We haven't done anything with
PD in deference to SNUG and some TSUGS who
have PD Libraries. What do you think?
NOTE TO PROGRAMMERS: YOU can join in with the
Issue Disk Program. All you need to do is
to write a "Mini -Manual" for your software
to be published, and supply the disk.
BACK ISSUES OF UPDATE MAGAZINE ^
are available in YEAR Groups for $18.00
per year (post paid) (add $1.00 to Canada)
Each year group has over 200 pages of
mostly useful programs and utilities as
key- in projects and MANY Tutorials for
Basic and MC programming. Available are:
1988 Year Group (All TS-2068 Supportive)
1989 Year Group (TS-2068 and Sinclair QL
UPDATE MAGAZINE
January 1990
TWO MAGAZINES DEPART WITH CLASS
to Editorial
The Final Issue of Quantum Levels - SyncWare News came in the Jan. 1990
mail. The publishing group held the two magazines together for the longest
duration of any Sinclair Timex magazine. The principles are: Fred Nachbaur,
Thomas Woods, Tern Bent, Jeff Moore, and Basil Wentworth. Update salutes the
publishing group of these two fine magazines for their seven years of service to
Sinclair Timex Users. Update, I believe, speaks for the entire S-T user group
in expressing appreciation for their individual efforts. AND, the group went
out with CLASS! Every subscriber is to receive pro-rata refund of un-filled
subscription.
For those who have not been subscribers to SYN or QLs let me say that there
is an exceptionally good Data Base of instructional articles in the issues of
these two magazines. Syncware News covers the TS-2068 and TS-1000, and Quantum
Levels the Sinclair QL. If you do not have the magazine issues that pertain to
your computer NOW is your LAST CHANCE to enrich your library with valuable
information about your computer and its programming.
Good books deserve to be used. Because of the value and in appreciation
for past service, Update Magazine devotes the next three editorial pages to a
listing of the SWN and QLs issues that are available to you on a - LAST CHANCE -
Never to be Repeated - offer. These two magazine volumes are CLASSICS! They
may be ordered by single issue or by any number of issues. Get your missing
issues before it is too late.
Quantum fZZ
^_evels /
TIPS AND TECHNIQUES FOR QL COMPUTERISTS
FINAL FAREWELL
ISSUE!
Quantum_Levels and SyncWare News
to close doors for good.
With this Issue, the l?80's Era of Computer Discovery
co.ea to a close. Sad, but true. See 'Froi The
Publisher's Desk...* inside for the complete details.
7
UPDATE MPJ3LZIME
SyncWare News and Quan-tum_Leve 1 s
Back I s sue s
Most issues of SyncWare News and Quantum Levels are still available. The
cost is $3.00 per issue except where otherwise indicated. The cost
includes postage and handling. We will continue to fill orders for back
issues until December 31, 1990 or until our supply is exhausted. Please
include a second or third choice when ordering, as this saves us the
cost of writing a check for a refund should we be out of the issue you
want.
SyncWare News
Back Issues . . .
Voluae 1 Everything you wanted
to know about the TS1000 or
ZX81 but were afraid to ask!
Products, cassettes, LPRINT
hints, hardware projects, in-
cluding video, back-up batter-
ies, and joysticks, T YD "BYTES,
and Linear Simultaneous Equa-
tions. 110 pgs.
$5.00
sette Connection, 2063 Charac-
ter Builder, FORTH, 2068 Bank
Switching, Decoding the EPROM,
Add RAM to the 2068, Basil's
Coapendiua. 24 pgs.
SWN Voluae 2 Ho. 4 TS1000 Fast
Screen Clear, REVIEW: TS1000
Plane Fraae, 2068 Word Iaages,
Basil's Coapendiua, 2068 Art,
Build your own EPROM prograa-
aer. Part 1, TS1000 Banner,
FAT Mscript. 24 pgs.
in a DATA stateaent, TS1000
Audio Frequency Counter, 2068
Database, Part 2. 24 pgs.
SWN Voluae 3 Mo. 2 Becoae a
Sinclair Tycoon, One Chip
Mods ... Decode Your Byte Back
CTS1000), REVIEW: YS Megabas-
ic, 2068 Curve Tracing, TS1000
REM Generator, Read a 2068
Header, T31000 Gaae - Fast
Times At Clairaont High,
Atoaic Fusion EPROM Eraser,
Amazing 2068 PIX FIX. 24 pgs.
SWT Voluae 2 No. 1 Forum
coluan begins~TS2068 BASIC,
TS2068 ROJI cWs,^0RTH,
TRAJ«Lir)«fs, baSliiAs COMPEN-
DIuTT^TsO M/cftirfe Code Tutor
col*tan beginVr TS1000 Oliger
Video Upgrade Part 1. 20 pgs.
SWN Voluae 2 So. 2 Deciaal to
Hex and Back, SAVE/LOAD Utili-
ty, MEMOTEXT in RAM, PEEK,
POKE, and USR. . . , REVIEW: Tiaex
Sinclair Intermediate Advanced
Guide, TS1000 connects to out-
side world, Relocatable MC,
Oliger Video Upgrade, Part 2.
24 pgs.
SWH Voluae 1. No. 3 REVIEW:
Spectrua Coapatibility & the
2068 ROMSWITCH. REVIEW: Sky-
plot & Celestial BASIC. RE-
VIEWS : Hali of the Things,
Manic Miner, Jet Set Willy,
and Lunar Jetaan, 2068 Cas-
SWN Voluae 2 No. 5 Initial QL
Review, More 2068 Cassette
Connection, 1X81 MC in high
memory, 2068 Quick Screen
Display, EPROM Prograaaer,
Part 2, Basil's Coapendiua,
Off the Wall, REVIEW: Uploader
2000. REVIEW: Appointment
Watch, Customize Your Mscript,
TS1000 Move It, 2068 Print
Command Compiler. 24 pgs.
SWN Voluae 2 No. 6 Adding on
to the Gladstone 64K, TS1000
Universal Printer Driver,
Building a 2068 Database, Part
1. Expanded 2068 INPUT
prompts, REVIEWS: Astronoaical
Software 1 and Planet Finder,
QL SuperBasic, Basil '3 Coapen-
diua. 24 pgs.
SWN Voluae 3 No. 1 Bug Alert,
TS1000 L0-RES, 20fc3 64 coiuan
3ASIC, Put 20b3 Machine Code
3WN Voluae 3 No. 3 Off the
Wall, Tri-Base Arithaetic,
2068 Lotto, REVIEWS: Checkrec
and Household Inventory 2000,
GET: A TS1000 Input Routine,
One Chip Mods: Recycle That
16K RaaPack!, Basil's Coapen-
diua, Bug Alert, REVIEW : Hot-
I/Zeus Comparison, Dice 1000,
2068 Screen Copy Routine,
TS1500: More than meets the
eye. 24 pgs.
SWN Voluae 3 No. 4 Basic Bank
Switching, 2068 Buggy Soft-
ware, 2X81/QL Regulator Bug,
20b8 Tower of Brahaa, 1000
Auto Analysis iAI on the
TS1000), Upgrading MTERM, The
Faae and the Glory-Contest
Honor Roll, TS1500 Hi-Res,
Send a 2068 Message. Special
April Fool Issue. 24 pgs.
3
UPDATE MAGAZINE
VIEW: War In The East, REVIEW:
Concept 3D. 16 pgs.
QL Vol 1 Ho. 2 Q_Tips: Solve
those power problems, COMMAND
POST: SIN, SQRT, and other
coaaands, SuperBASIC Corner:
Procedures and Functions,
Investment Analysis - Abacus
Application. 16 pgs.
QL Voluae 1 No. 3 Q_Tips: SAVE
& LOAD, ICE vs. DESK: A Con-
parison, Sim^tinq, "VAL",
Build aJ^ro Dri^l Storage
Bo^Clptlorioo^liperBASIC -
Maa**lbrot £L6t, Part 1,
SuperBASIC Corner: LOOPS &
BRANCHES. 24 pgs.
QL Voluae 1 No. 4 Condensed
High Speed Graphics, Mandel-
brot: Part 2, GPRINT: A BASIC
Screen Dump, Star Cluster,
SOFTWARE REVIEWS: Keydefine,
Taskmaster, and TAXIQL. 16
pgs.
QL Voluae 1 Ho. 5 Q_TIPS: A
Battery Backed Clock, Explor-
ing SuperBASIC, Overseas Soft-
ware: Where To Get It?, Intro-
duction To ARCHIVE, Part 1,
SuperBASIC Corner: IF/
THEN /ELSE/ETC, DEF_TMP : What
it is. 16 pgs.
QL Voluae 1 Ho. 6 Q_Tips:
Decode Your ROM, Three Game
Reviews: Match Point, BJ in 3D
Land, & Karate, Exploring
SuperBASIC, Playing with
Electricity, SUperBASIC Cor-
ner: FILES, TURBO vs. LIBERA-
TOR. 16 pgs.
QL Voluae 2 Ho. 1 QL AutoDir:
A Front End Loader, CP/M on
the QL: A Review, Introduction
to ARCHIVE, Part 2, How the QL
Handles Strings: A Tutorial in
String Comparison, XREF: A
Review. 16 pgs.
QL Voluae 2 Ho. 2 Q_TIPS:
Enhancing your QL keyboard.
Adventure Writing, Part 1,
Paste Art Review, Q_TIPS: RGB
output woes and fixes, Playing
With Electricity, REVIEW:
Ultrasoft's QKICK. 16 pgs.
SyncWare News
Combines With
Quantum!, eve 1 s
QL Voluae 2 Ho. 5 Eying The
QL, The Solution: An IBM
Emulator for the QL, Program-
ming by Procedure, Playing
With Electricity, TRA_BAS 1.1:
RS-232 Translation, To MG or
not To MG. THE SyncWare
Pages: 2068 Custom Tape/Disk
Directory, Fractions,
TYD'BYTS . 24 pgs.
QL Voluae 2 Ho. 6 - The Final
Issue. This is the issue you
are currently holding in your
hands. At the time this is
being written, the only thing
I know for sure it will in-
clude is this list. 16 pgs.
QL Voluae 2 Ho. 3 A First Look
At Sinclair's New Z88, Q_TIPS:
ROM Board Revisited, Adventure
Writing, Part 2, Network Your
QL's, ONE_LINERS, Prograaaing
By Procedure, A Date Printing
MC Routine. 16 pgs.
QL Voluae 2 Ho. 4 0NE_LINERS,
Q_TIPS: Comaon QL problems and
their fixes, SPEEDSCREEN vs.
TURBOQUILL+, Playing With
Electricity, Printing From
Quill, Adventure Writing, Part
3. 16 pgs.
********************
ORDER FROM:
SWN/QL BACK ISSUES
The SyncWare News
Group
602 S. Mill St.
Louisville, OH 44641
Check, MO, VISA, and
MC accepted
********************
9
SVH Voluae 3 Ho. S Build a
2068 Cartridge Board, 2068 RAM
on Cartridge, T31000 Handel-
Plot Art, Location for Machine
Code, REVIEW: Stock Plot,
T31000 Visible Sort, Sorting
through the 2068 Sorts, Up-
grading VU-Calc 1000, Custom
Keyboard Tip, TS1500 Video
Topics, 1000 2K Textwriter,
2068 PC Board Aid. 24 pgs.
SVH Voluae 3 Ho. 6 REVIEWS :
Word Sync II. 5 and Wordfont,
Put those Extra 2068 Banks to
Work, Basil's Compendium,
TS2068 Music Maker, Fun with
HOT-Z II (T31000), TMS9918A
Video Upgrade: A Follow-up,
Use Logic, More About MScript,
TS1000 Halt Right There. 24
pgs.
SVH Voluae 4 Ho. 1 TS1000
Error Reports, Redefine the
2068 Character Set, Basil's
Compendium, One Chip Mod: A
Built-in Non-Volatile Meaory
for TS1000, VU-Calc and the
Tasaan I/F, REVIEW: BBDOS-An
AERC0 FD-ZX DOS, Ireg:T31000.
24 pgs.
SVH Voluae 4 Ho. 2 2068 Label
Maker, TS1000 Advanced Calcu-
lator Program, 2068 Windows,
WRX16 HI-RES for TS1000, 2068
Variable Save Trick, Basil's
Compendium, TS1000 Wordsearch,
2068 Word Wrap Utility. 24
pgs.
SVH Voluae 4 Ho. 3 REVIEW:
Extensions To Pro/File, Run
your Meaotech 64K on the 2068,
ABC/123, Part 1, Hang-Mult
2068, Basil's Compendium, One
Chip Mod: Kempsonize Your
Joystick Port, Structured
BASIC Tree Programs. 24 pgs.
SVH Voluae 4 Ho. 4 REVIEW:
TIMACHIHE, Program Segmenta-
tion. ABC/123, Part 2, REVIEW:
Chroma Soft. 2068 Piano,
Another Video Primer, Put
MSCRIPT on EPROM, Basil's
Compendium. 24 pgs.
SVH Voluae 4 Ho. 5 Put Your
Inkjet in Plotter Mode, Quick
Print Pro/File and Tasword
Files, TS1000 Mystery Program,
Yahtzee 2068, Upgrade to Hi-
Res Chess (TS1000). 24 pgs.
SVH Volume 4 Ho. 6 M*5 -
Programmer's contest winner,
MULTSTEPS, Yet another ZX/TS
Fix, ANIMAL3LLL, Basil's
Compendium. PC8300: The ZX81
Clone, BBSing on the Unexpand-
ed 2068, Dot Matrix Bit Graph-
ics, Oliger DOS and the
Pro/File Cartridge. 24 pgs.
SVH Volume 5 Ho. 1 2K-SDP:
Serial Data Port, TS1000
Mystery Program II, Run
MSCRIPT w/Oliger DOS, Custom-
ize Your Sign Designer,
TYD«BYTS, Basil's Compendium.
24 pgs.
SVH Voluae 5 Ho. 2 Dear Read-
er, Using 2068 Report Codes,
READ, RESTORE, & BUMP for the
TS1000, 2068 VuFile & VuCalc
Tape to Disk Conversions,
"Quick" Mode for the TS1000/
TS1500, PC8300 Video Fix, A
2068 Spectrum Mode Printer
Driver, REVIEV: Rock Crush,
REVIEW : Beta BASIC, 2068 REM
Generator, MScript/ Oliger
Printer Port Compatibility. 24
pgs.
SVH Voluae 5 Ho. 3 Telecoam
Update, A Sound Approach
(2068), TYD-BYTS, Flagging
Interest (2068), Communica-
tions in a Flash (2068),
Geometry Plotter (1000),
Multiplication Tutor (1000),
Basil's Compendium, Bug Alert,
Off the Wall. 24 pgs.
SVH Volume 5 Ho. 4 REVIEW:
HI*RES 2068/VIC-20 Plotter,
2068 Random Numbers, Basil's
Compendium, Meaotech CIF
•COPY' Fix (TS1000), More on
SNUG, REVIEW: Applied Sin-
clair- Subroutines and Pro-
grams for the Mathematically
Minded, Cryptograms on the
Computer, REVIEW: CATS Li-
brary, ETAMITLU — Word Proces-
sor, Stitches In Time, Time
Bomb (TS1000 game), T31000
World Geography. 24 pgs.
SVH Volume 5 Ho. 5 Off the
Wall, Instant Sorting (Z80
Machine Code), 2068 Window,
Getting Looped (more Z80 MC) ,
A Challenge, Getting Started
With Beta BASIC, Part 1,
ADDITION - A 'TRAINing' Pro-
gram (2068), Letter Scramble.
24 pgs.
SVH Volume 5 Ho. 6 TYD*BYTS,
NVM and the 2068, Share-
Ware— The T/S Lifeline?,
Getting Started With Beta
BASIC, Part 2, Basil's Compen-
dium, The Old Gent '8 Flowchar-
ter, The Dunnington Flowchar-
ter, Nation Landmark Quiz. 24
pgs.
QUANTUM LEVELS
BACK ISSUES. . .
QL Voluae 1 Ho. 1 The American
QL: A Peek Inside, QL Circuit
Board Layout and Parts List,
Composite COLOR on the QL,
Inside SuperBASIC: Tip Ho. 1,
Stopping Black Screenitis, RE-
10
nFYmTT tliVii* *-" " ■ ~~ 3
January 1990
WOOD AND WIND COMPUTING
Bill Cable : BR 2 Box 92 : Cornish, NH 03745 : 603 675 2218
Cable Column
I was pleased to see that in the October & November issues of QL World they gave considerble
space to ARCHIVE, the PSION database program we all have. Those of you who have followed this
column know that I have high regard for ARCHIVE and have tried to promote it use by more US QL
users. Its programing language is what I do most of my QL software development in. If you are
not using a database or running database type programs you are missing out on a lot of what your
QL can do for you.
Below we will examine the PSION program EASEL as it can be used for plotting mathematical
curves. All QL users should be able to do the example even if the are using a TV as a monitor.
If you have never used EASEL give it a try.
PLOTTING CORVES WIffi ERSEL (Business Graphics)
Easel is the most fun of the PSION programs to play with. EASEL is a very easy to use and
powerful graphics program and the QL is a flexible graphics computer. In fact the QL version of
EASEL has better graphics than PSION 's PC version of EASEL on a 286 with VGA graphics. Besides
simple bar and pie graphs as described in the manual EASEL can be used to plot complex
mathematical equations. Multiple curves can be plotted on the same graph to see if they
intersect (have solutions). This easy graphical intepretation of equations enables one to solve
equations in a couple of minutes that would othewise require fancy software. I realize that most
readers don't need to solve equations but most of us have some interest in math. Its fun to
doodle with formulas and watch the curves appear on the screen and its so easy to do with EASEL.
Anyone taking a math course will find EASEL a real asset. Graphical interpretations in
mathematics often gives insights that are hard to come by otherwise. No need to buy more
software or write a SUPERBASIC program. Just follow the suggestions below and you will be
plotting curves in no time.
In the examples below I use EASEL version 2.1 as it comes set up for microdrive. You can use
your PSION config_bas program to configure EASEL for floppies if you have them and substitute
flp references where I use mdv. First I will give a quick overview using EASEL for curve
plotting and then a 2 step tutorial with key presses in bold face. Be sure to refer to the
manual for more detailed descriptions of the comtnands and concepts.
Overview of EASEL
Easel-' works very much like the other PSION programs. There is the help box at the top giving
us instructions and informing us of the various ccmrands avaiable. Pressing <F1> always gives us
help. Pressing <F2> makes the upper description boxes go away or come back. There are 2 modes,
data and formal a entry mode and command mode. Pressing <F3> puts us in command mode. Pressing
<ESC> cancels commands or input and eventually puts us back in data entry mode. When in data
entry mode if we type a number it is interpreted as raw data to go in the current cell and if we
type alphabetic characters they are interpreted as a formula to be calculated for all cells.
Trying to do a command when in data entry mode or trying to enter data or a formula when in
command mode are easy mistakes to make. Just look at the lower left of the screen where the
input line is. When in data and formula entry mode you will see and when in command mode you
will see 'COMMAND> Use <ESC> to cancel mistakes or switch to data input mode and <F3> to
switch to command mode.
Easel is always working with a set of data each of which consists of a location (cell; an tne
horizontal axis (x axis) and a corresponding numeric value up the vertical axis (y axis). EASEL
can work with more than one set of data and so each set needs a name. When you first start up a
set called 'figures' is defined. If you define a new set of data 'x' and type in the formula
y=sin(x), EASEL uses the name on the left side of the equal sign,y, to be the name of a set of
data to be calculated from what is on the right hand side of the equal sign, sin(x). Easel would
create the new set of data, y, where each y would equal sin(x) for each x. If the set of data,
y, had already existed then each would be recalculated by the formula. Even if more than one
21
UPDATE MRGaZIHE
carve (set of data) is on the screen at once there is just one active one. You can tell which
one it is by seeing what follows the 'Current Name' label at bottom of screen.
The horizontal axis is divided into cells. When you first start up there are 12 cells for the
months of the year. You can move- around the cells with <TAB> and <SHIFT-TAB> and if you move
beyond either end EASEL will rescale and add more cells. For simple bar graph applications
labels are important for cell identification on the horizontal axis but for mathematical
applications the cells will correspond to numbers on our horizontal axis (x axis) and we don't
need labels. In fact we rescale the horizontal axis to have so many cells that there is no room
for cell labels.
EASEL provides two special terms to use in formulas that allow us to scale the horizontal
axis to our needs. They are cellmax (equals the value of the total number of cells in our
current scaling) and cell (ranges from I for left most cell to cellmax for right most cell). If
we scaled our graph so it had 100 cells then cellmax=100 and cell ranges from 1 to 100. If we
define a set of data,ref, by the formula ref=(cell-l)/(cellmax-l) then ref always ranges between
0 and 1 no matter what our cell scale is because cell ranges between 1 and cellmax. Then if we
wanted to plot a sine curve in the range -2 to 2 we can set our independent variable x as x - -2
+ 4*ref . So x ranges between -2 and 2 as ref ranges between 0 and 1. Then plotting y=sin(x) will
give us our sine curve in the range -2 to 2. Note that if you have a mistake in a formula you
will get the message 'formula gave no values'. You can then use the arrow keys to edit the
formula.
If the graph is bar graph we can change it to a line with the Change (line) command. We can
pick which of our currently defined sets of data we want to see with the View command. We can
edit the text on our graph with the Edit command. If there is an area of the graph of interest
to us we can use the cross hairs (controlled by arrow keys when in data entry mode) to read the
values off the vertical axis. Getting values off the horizontal axis is not directly possible
since the values for x are not labeled. The best way I have found is to display the curves of
interest plus x (our independent variable) with the view command. Then use the Files (export)
command to export the data to a file. The file can then be viewed, printed or imported to ABACUS
so the actual values can be read directly.
USING EASEL
Dig out your EASEL (Business Graphics) cartridge and have a another formatted cartridge ready
to hold your data. Have all cartridges removed from your QL. Reset your QL and put your copy of
EASEL in mdvl_ and your data cartridge in mdv2_ and press <F1> (or <F2>). Easel will load and
you will see a graph with the months of the year along the horizontal axis. If you type in
numbers then they will be put in the corresponding months.
STEP 1 : Making a master graph for curve plotting
You need do this step only once because we will save the result to a file called
'curves _grf. Anytime you want to plot curves you just load ' curves_grf ' and start at step 2.
First lets remove the months from the horizontal labels. We will use the edit command.
switch to cumand mode
e
edit command
I
edit labels
<F4>
delete labels
(do <F4> 12 times to delete Jan through Dec)
(note after Dec was deleted the graph rescaled its horizontal axis)
Now let us make 100 cells on our horizontal axis
<ESO exit edit command
12
UPDATE MftGftZINE
January 1990
<ESC> exit comnand mode to data entry mode
<TflB> move toward end of graph
(do many, many <TflB>s until graph rescaJes 4 times)
We should have 5 total rescales (1 in edit mode, 4 in data entry mode). This makes 100
cells. If you go too far then <F3>v<ENTER><ENTER> and <TAB> through 5 rescales. The examples do
not depend on the how many cells we have scaled but up to a point the more cells the better the
plot resolution.
Now let us edit the graph title
<F3>et connand mode. edit con-rand, edit text (move the ^rcvus hairs (with
arrow kevs) to the *T' in Title)
<ENTER>
(Delete 'Title1 with <CTRL> up arrow and enter : )
Plotting Curves <ENTER>
(move new title where you want it with arrow Jcevs)
<HVTER> exit edit text
Now let us change the graph paper to remove all those vertical lines
cq5<ETVTER> change graph paper to format 5
Now let us define our 'ref set of data that we will always use to define the range of our
independent variable x. Ref ranges from 0 to 1.
<ESO return to data entry mode
ref=CcelJ-l)/rcellnax-l)<EryTER> formula to define ref
<F3>cL2 change ref to line style 2
Remove the initial set of data 'figures' as we won't use them
<F3>Jc kill comand
£igmes<MTM> kill the 'figures1 data set
Now save our master graph
s save connand
curves<EMTER> put on mdvl and call curves
STEP 2 : Plotting 2 curves
Let us plot 2 curves to see if they cross (a solution y=w):
y - x*x*sin(x) + x -1 x between -5 and 5
w = x*x - 4*x -1
First lets load our curve plotting master graph. You saved it right?
<F3>L load connand
curves <ETrrER> load curves crrf from mdv2
It
UPDATE MasaziHE
January 1990
Set up x scale. We have already defined ref
<ESC>x=-5+10*ref<ENTER> define x so it goes from -5 to 5
<F3>cL2<ENTER> change x to a line graph style 2
Now plot y and w
<ESC>y=x*x*sin f x ) +x-KENTER> enter formula y
<F3>cL0<ENTER> change to line style 0
<ESOw=x*x-4*x-l enter formula for w
<F3>cLKENTER> change to line style 1
Now see how they look together
<F3>w , w<ENTER><ENTER> view y and w data together
We see that there are 2 points where they intersect and there may be more. We can rescale x
to a bigger interval and enter the y and w formulas again if we want to check for other
intersections. Return to the data entry mode with a few <ESC>s and move the horizontal wire with
the up or down arrow key to each intersection. You will see that y or w equal about -1 and -2.5
at the intersections. You know that x goes from -5 and 5 on the horizontal axis so you can very
roughly estimate it to be about 0 and 3 at the intersections. More exact values can be found by
exporting. Typing : <F3>vx , y , w<ENTER><ENTER>f evalues<ENTER> will create an export file
values_exp. It contains the data names in the first line and each following line has the cell
label (null),x value, y value, w value. You can import it to ABACUS it or copy it to your screen
or printer to inspect it.
You can print your curves also
<F3>vy . w<gfEER><£MTER>PP view and print
A screen dump of the 2
curves as plotted by
EASEL.
MORE fi)N WITH EASEL
I have only just touched on EASEL and curve plotting. I hope you are inspired to explore
further. I A&cammnd reading Ukvuuzn. F^Lchjz.'^ zxxxJLtent cuvtLctz6 on cuswo, plotting and
poti/njomlaJU f under the TS-2068 programming section) in the last 2 UPDATE issues (Jul 89, 20-21,
Oct 89, 24-26). You can use EASEL to plot the curves he describes and you don't need to program.
Be sure to use repeated multiplication for powers (x*x*x for x cubed, etc) in the formulas. Also
the curves he shows have the axes rescaled for better resolution. Your graphs will have slightly
different shapes but if you check the details you will see they are indeed the same Curves-:
14
UPDATE MAGAZINE
January 1990
Wire Frame Sprites with Magnification - By Larry Kenny
Using pattern tables to draw wireframe type characters is
used a lot with the Apple II computers since they dont have
sprites. This program uses letters stored in a string variable
to draw graphics characters with a magnification parameter. The
letters shown in figure 1 direct the drawing in 8 directions.
An upper case letter will move the pixel position and plot
it eg. If A$="RDLU" - a box would be drawn (right down left up).
The LPRINT command preceeded by RAND USR 50000: is used to pass
the parameters to the machine code routine. The syntax is: RAND
USR 50000: LPRINT x$, magnification, x coord, y coord.
-x$= (or any string var) holds the pattern string.
-Magnify= 0 to 9 (10 to 19 will un-plot the same pattern).
-X coord= starting X coordinate.
-Y coord= starting Y coordinate.
- all parameters can be fixed numbers, formulae, or
expressions. You can also have more than one character drawn in
one LPPRINT statement by separating sets of parameters by semi
colons .
Enter the assembly language programs using an assembler such
as the ZEUS assembler ( available from RMG Enterprises ) and
save ths source code file before typing in the Basic program.
All numbers are decimal unless preceeded by #.
This program also demonstrates how to link BASIC lines and
formulas to you own machine language programs. Using the ROM
calls with TS-2068 programming really simplify using formulas and
finding variables.
The Basic Listing is an example of using the wire graphics.
Keys 5-6-7-8 move the character about on screen. Keys 1 and 2
reduce or magnify the character size.
A large variable size character set could also be made using
this approach. If the character is to be moved about the screen,
you can increase the speed by moving more than one pixel at a
time.
u
X Y
V z
D
Figure 1
00001
00005
00010
00020
00030
00040
00050
00060
00070
00080
00090
00100
00110
00120
00130
00140
ORIGIN 50000 ; Assemble code at 50000
;Wire Graphics by LARRY KENNY - LARKEN ELECTRON I CS-
Chadd EQU 23645 ; Current Char in BASIC being Interp.
Start RST 32 ; Move Chadd to LPRINT token in BASIC .
RST 32 ; Move Chadd to point to string variable.
Again
LD HL, (Chadd)
INC HL
LD A, 36
CP (HL)
JR Z, String
RST 8
DEFB 2
String CALL #2C70
JR NCVfound
RST 8
Check to see if the variable
is a string variable by comparing
the character after the variable
with a '$' .
Continue if its a '$'.
If not, stop with Subscipt-
wrong Error.
Rom call to search for Variable.
Continue if the variable is found.
If not found, stop with error
15
UPDATE MAGAZINE
January 1990
DEFB 1 ; Variable not found.
00150 Vfound LD (Strad) ,HL
00160 RST 32
00170 CALL EVALU
00180 LD A,C
00190 CP 21
00200 JP NCInterr
00210 LD (Magni),A
00220 RST 32
00230 CALL EVALU
00240 LD A,C
00250 LD (Coord) ,A
00260 RST 32
00270 CALL EVALU
00280 LD A..C
00290 CP 176
00300 JP NC,Interr
00310 ADD A, 16
00320 LD (Coord +1) ,
00330 LD HL, (Strad)
00340 INC HL
00350 LD C,(HL)
00360 INC HL
00370 LD B, (HL)
00380 INC HL
00390 LD (Strad), HL
00400 LD A, (Magni)
00410 CP 10
00420 JR NCSetpix
00430 LD A, 255
00440 LD (mask)
Store address of string variable.
Move 'Chadd* past the first comma.
Evaluate the Magnify parameter.
See if the magnify
parameter is out of range
if larger than 20 then Int error.
Store Magnify parameter.
Move Chadd past next comma.
Get the X coordinate.
Store the
X coordinate.
Move Chadd past last comma.
Get the Y coordinate.
Check to see if it is in the
range of 176
Jump to Integer out of Range Err.
Adjust it for bottom 2 lines.
; Store the Y coordinate.
Get the Address of the String.
Load the BC register
with the length of
of the String.
Move the String pointer to the
start of the data in the String.
See if the Magnify
parameter is to erase or draw.
Go to set pixel setup
Set the mask to
,A ; draw .
00450
JR Draw
00460
Setpix
SUB 10
00470
LD (Magni), A
00480
XOR A
00490
LD (mask), A
00500
Draw
LD A, B
00510
OR C
00520
JP Z,EXIT
00530
DEC BC
00540
LD DE, (Strad)
00550
LD A, (DE)
00560
INC DE
00570
LD (Strad), DE
00580
LD (Char),A
00590
LD A, (Magni )
00600
LD D , A
00610
INC D
00620
INC D
00630
Nextpx
DEC D
00640
JR Z.Draw
00650
LD A, (Char)
00660
LD HL, (Coord)
00670
RES 5, A
00680
CP 85
00690
JR Z,UP
00700
CP 68
00710
JR Z,DN
00720
CP 90
00730
JR Z , RTDN
00740
CP 86
00750
JR Z,L
Go to Main routine
Bring Magnify back into range
of 0 to 9 and store
Set the
mask to erase.
Main draw loop.
See if we are at the end
of the String.
Reduce lenth counter.
Load the current Letter
into the accumulater.
Point to next char in the string.
Store the String address.
Store the current Letter.
Load the Magnify parameter
into the D register for
a loop counter.
Preset the counter.
Reduce the loop counter.
Get next letter if counter zero.
Get the current Letter.
Get the screen coordinates.
Force letter to Upper case.
If its a 'U'
then go to UP
If its a *D'
then go to down.
If its a 'Z'
then go to Right-Down.
If its a 'V
then go to Left-Down.
00760
00770
00780
00790
00800 RT
00810
00820
CP 88
JR Z,LFUP
CP 89
JR Z,RTUP
CP 82
JR NZ , LF
INC L
If its a 'X'
then go to Left-Up.
If its a ' Y*
then go to Right-Up.
If its not a 'R'
then go to Left.
If * R ' then Inc
UPDATE MAGAZINE
January 1990
00830
JR Plot
; XI o it.
00840
LF
CP 7 6
; If no ' L' then goto
00850
JR NZ , Badchr
; Invalid Aroument error.
00860
DEC L
; Dec X coord.
00870
JR Plot
; Plot it.
rtrtOOft
OUooU
RTDN
INC L
■ Inc X coord and
00890
JR DN
and Dec Y coord.
00 900
LFDN
DEC L
Dec X coord and
00910
JR DN
dec Y coord.
00920
LFUP
DEC L
Dec X coord
00 930
JR UP
and inc Y coord.
00 940
RTUP
INC L
Inc X coord and
00950
UP
INC H
Inc Y coord.
00960
LD A,H
See if the Y coord is
00 970
CP 192
within range.
uuyau
JR NZ,Plot ,
If ok then plot it.
00 990
LD H , 0
If past the top, then
01000
JR Plot
3tdL I. xu ciu Uilc JJU u LUH1 dy cx J. 11 .
01010
DN
DEC H \
Dec the Y coord.
01020
LD A , H
See if the Y coord is past the
01030
CP 2 55
bottom of the screen.
01040
JR NZ,Plot
If ok then pi ot it .
01050
LD H,191 ;
If so the start at the top again
01060
Plot
LD (Coord), HL ;
Save the newly adjusted coords.
LD A, (Char)
01080 BIT 5, A
01090 JR NZ,Nextpx
01100 PUSH BC
OHIO CALL PIXEL
01120 POP BC
01130 JR Nextpx
01140 Badchr RST 8
01150 DEFB 9
01160 EXIT LD HL,(Chadd)
01170 LD A, (HL)
01180 CP 59
01190 JP Z, Again
01200 RET
01210 EVALU CALL #1BE5 ;
01220 CALL #1F23 ;
01230 LD A , B
01240 CP 0
01250 RET Z
01260 Interr RST 8
01270 DEFB 10
01280 PIXEL LD BC,(Co'ord)
01290 LD A, 191
01300 SUB B
01310 RET C
01320 LD B , A
01330 AND #C0
01340 RRA
01350 RRA
01360 RRA
013
If the current Letter is lower
case the dont plot to the screen.
Go back to next command.
Save the String length.
Plot or Unplot the Pixel
Get the length back.
Go back and do next command.
Invalid Argument Error if the
letter isn't recognised.
Load the Chadd pointer into HL .
Repeat the complete Sprite routine
; if a ' ;' is* the next character.
; Go back to the beginning.
; if not return to BASIC.
Rom call to evaluate the expression
Rom call to put result in the BC reg.
If the number is less than 256
then return with out an error
Interger out of Range
Error .
This routine was in the 2068
technical manual, (page 122)
It calculates the address of
the coordinates and the pixel
position.
LD H , A
01380
01390
01400
01410
01420
01430
01440
01450
01460
01470
01480
01490
01500
01510
01520
01530
LD A,B
AND 7
OR H
OR #40
LD H , A
LD A,C
RLCA
RLCA
RLCA
AND #C7
LD L , A
LD A , B
AND #38
OR L
RLCA
RLCA
17
UPDATE MAGAZINE
January 1990
01540
LD L , A
01550
LD A,C
01560
AND 7
01570
LD B , A
01580
LD A, (mask)
01590
LD C,A
01600
LD A,l
01610
INC B
01620
Rotat
RRCA
01630
DJNZ Rotat
01640
BIT 0,C
01650
JR Z, Reset
01660
OR (HL)
01670
LD (HL ) , A
01680
RET
01690
Reset
CPL
01700
AND (HL)
01710
LD (HL) , A
01720
RET
This routine creates a mask
that will point to the
pixel in the display file
(byte.
See if pixel is to be set
or reset
Set pixel in the display file
by ORing it with result mask.
Reset the pixel by inverting
and ANDing the result mask.
01730 Magni DEFB 00 ; Declare some room for Variables.
01740 Char DEFB 00
01750 Strad DEFW 0000
01760 Coord DEFW 0000 ;
01770 mask DEFW 00
1 REM > SPRITE GRAPHIC DEMO <
5 PRINT "Use curser Keys '5678* to move"
6 PRINT "Use Keys 1 and 2 magnify"
10 LET p$="RRRVZZZVXXXVUUU"
20 LET x=100: LET y=100: LET m=5: LET oldx=x: LET oldy=y
30 RANDOMIZE USR 50000: LPRINT p$ ,m+10 , oldx , oldy
35 LET m=m-(INKEY$="l" AND m>0 ) +( INKEY$="2" AND m<9)
40 RANDOMIZE USR 50000: LPRINT p$,m,X,y
50 LET oldx=x: LET oldy=y
60 LET x=x-(((INKEY$="5")*4) AND x>0 ) + ( ( ( INKEY$="8" ) *4 ) AND x<
250)
70 LET y=y-(((INKEY$="6")*4) AND y>0)+( ( ( INKEY$="7")*4) AND y<
165)
100 GO TO 30
500 RANDOMIZE USR 100: LOAD "Sprite . Cl"CODE 50000: RUN
PASCAL for the TS-2068 and Sinclair QL
This little note from the Editor is to provolk thought. Quite seme time
ago David Solly, of the Ottawa Group, sent in a masterful large article about
PASCAL. I was afraid to publish it because "I couldn t cope with its
advanced programing. Now we have in a following article a short and sweet
program (done by David for Larry Kenny). This article may whet the appetite
of Tony for PASCAL TUTORIALS . The article also ties in well with the next
SUbie°believe that we should start at the foundation level with PASCAL. It is
a very powerful language that we should learn. To David and other PASCAL
prc^™s: Lets gcTwith sane beginner tutorials and lead into the power and
speed of PASCAL. Most colleges teach Pascal but few have the time and
opportunity to enroll.
Developing Periphreals for IN COT Job Control
Have you seen ads offering simple "Z80 Development Boards" for around $150?
These boards are "less than the equilivant" of a TS-1000 circuit board and
are usS for designers to access the Z80 CPU for dedicated tasks Many of us
have from one to a dozen TS-1000 computers or ^r^tf^r^n^1C!nm^1?^
to use as "Slave Processors". Larry Kenny is doing it to control a milling
machine. The principles are discussed broadly in the article Slave
Processing", and is applicable to any HOST Computer.
18
UPDATE MAGAZINE
January 1990
SPEED CCM^.P I SON PFTNEEM _ Mtr ,
7CoQ PASCAL =>nd COMPILED BASIC < T t MEMACH I ME .»
bv Larry M enn y
P-»renHv i ^•■•e been working on using my 20*3 to control a 3
a* Is dr lling/ routimi machfne using stepper motors. To make the
machine move? in arcs and circles i needed ho use the sine and
cosine f.irv-Vion* in the 2068 row. After trying some basic dnd
mScNVin* ianauaae (using th« fp i nterpr eter J routines if ound
tha' the program coul dnt run nearly fast enough to keep the
"r^i^D^id'soVlv ShTii a long time Hi -Soft Pascal user to
J-i p J a tw<: p-o.jr.in. usina its sine/ cosine functions so i
could test fi against .7066 Basic and compiled basic (Time
Machine compiler from Novel Soft). , . mMas u^r-a =r-D fho
The test program pints around a circle loo times. Here are the
resul ts .
i,,,r.ir interpreter.) }g? seconds
Compile! Basic (Time Machine) 12| *««"gs
HI -SOFT PASCAL 18 secon°5
Wow ' The pascal really flies eyen when doing floating do int
math. H tviu all its own math routines built i n and do esnt do
•.Si V-nm rails. Thrtt al «o means that the compiled -ode; can be
Snt into sn eprLfl, and run on a ZSO based cpu without the time*
rThercnjipiled Basic i, only slightly fa ster that regular basic
„hpn fh* floating point routines are used. Even eg ^"9™
FP routines *rom machine code doesnt make difference.
If you are writing a program that does a lot of calculations
such as a spread sheet, 3d graphics, or Cad etc, pascci wi xi tar
cutpin'f orui Basic.
Anyone int^-ested in 2068 parcel can 1 save a mesaaup *n J-he-
nt f jwa " T3 BB*3 a^ (613) 745-BB30 . If you have a LKDOS di sk
2UtSS i°have converted pascals interna) fil^ routines for disk
instead of tapr . There are also numerous pascal source **J«s.
on thS BBS. The BBS runs 24 hours a day on a 2u*Q using Larken
Ha;: com.
2068 BASIC Circle Listing
«5 i npEM # (Needed for Time-Machine only)
10 LET RAD ~ 50
■ §? Kft^ FagVER A i 80 ♦ RAD . COS A
np:<t a j ,
so print "end of program
HIoOFT Paocal circle listing
5 PROGRAM CIRCLE;
10 PROCEDURE CJRC;
U CONST RAO ~50:
13 WR A s REAL) ON : BOOLEAN;
» 4 BEGIN wiir.
tr. A 0; ON : s TRUE;
j - REPEPL0T (80 + RAD * SIN (A) .
Jiq (80 + RAD * COS^A) ) ;
19 A A + 0.5;
->0 UNTIL A > 628;
2t EMOj
22 PFRTN CMAIM PROE'RAHi
73 C fRC
WRITELN ('El- IP DP PR0HRAM 1 ) ;
UPDATE MAGAZINE
January 1990
- SLAVE CPU PROCESSING -
ApplMk to M Ho^ Couptw
by: Bill Jones
Consider a shopping list of 50 items that
you make up before going to the shopping
mall. Ten items are filled at the first
store, and you prepare to depart. The
store manager sez, "Friend, give me half of
the items left on the list and I'll send
out to get them while you're finding the
other items". If we do that we are
"multitasking" the shopping list.
Normally, the TS-2068 operates in "one
store at a time". The shelves in the store
may contain a disk drive, a monitor, a
printer, a modem; and the CPU of the
TS-2068 uses one of the items at a time.
The other items are just sitting there
waiting. Really, it would be convenient
and time saving to be able to use the
printer while focusing upon another job to
be accomplished. Cr , we could perhaps be
communicating with Compu Serve while
printing a document. All we need to do in
order to SHARE or use other periphreal
devices is to have another CPU in
operation, and a "messenger" to send a flag
signal to the other CPU to get started
doing something. The "Slave" CPU could be
one of our TS-1000 computers that are
collecting dust, or available • at a hock
shop for $9.95.
The slave TS-1000 could be programmed
to do as much and as many tasks as our
trusty TS-2068 normally does. But, it
would wait until a messenger told it to do
something.
The "Messenger" would be a small
plug-on circuit board, or an interface.
Then anytime we pulled up a menu and
punched "S for Slave" , the TS-1000 would
wake up and return a question, "Whata you
want done, Boss?", and would present a menu
of things that it is programmed to do.
Once we put it to work, we continue doing
things with the Master TS-2068.
In a multitasking system there is
usually an interface that acts as the
messenger between the two CPU's. This
interface is called a "Temporary Master
Access Control Circuit" (TMAC) . The TMAC
controls INPUT and OUTPUT devices such as
printers, modems, etc, and which CPU has
control. The TMAC therefore prevents more
than one CPU from accessing the same device
20
at the same time.
There are several ways of avoiding
this type of system clash. Two of the more
common methods are to use a INTERRUPT
DRIVEN System (IDS), or to use TEMPORARY
MASTER ACCESS (TMA) .
In a ids system, an INTERRUPT is
initiated by the Slave processor to the
Master Processor when it requests the use
of a system resource. The slave processor
is programmed within its own ROM or RAM to
do functions operating under self control.
When the Slave CPU needs a periphreal, it
interrups the Master CPU to tell it to
disconnect from that periphreal. Depending
upon the PRIORITY, the Master CPU may
disconnect or it may send a WAIT signal
back. Eventually, when the Slave is given
control, it uses the periphreal, BUT is
still subject to being INTERRUTED by the
main CPU for more important tasks.
Eventually, when the Slave CPU is finished
with its task, it cancels its request for
control of the periphreal. In the
meantime, the Master CPU continues other
tasks that are not concerned with the use
of the periphreal that is being used by the
Slave processor.
---The difference in a TMA system is that
the' TMAC (interface) is the resources
manager instead of the Host CPU "once the
host CPU has released control via priority
evaluation" .
All of the above and more are discussed in
detail in a book "Interfacing to S-100/IEEE
696 Microcomputers" by Sol Libes and Mark
Garatz. Anyone intending to interface a
TS-1000 to the TS-2068 for Slave operation
should obtain this book.
The Sinclair Z88
Considerations for Periphreals Design
Since the Z88 uses the Z-80 CPU, some of
our better interfaces for the TS-2068 offer
the prospects for easy adaptation to the
Z88 by BUSS connector changes and re-work
of chip addressing. Generally, the
engineering has been accomplished for the
Z-80 CPU and its 8 bit capability. One
seemingly fruitful area is the Disk Drive
controllers for the TS-2068.
Exploiting the Z80 CPU Family
With a 2 pound computer having the small
foot print of the Sinclair Z88, its
interfacing and control of periphreal
UPDATE MPjGAZEIE
January 1990
devices must be from the outside. This
isn't anything new, as even the IBM
computer has its BIG BOX sitting behind the
keyboard. The Z88 is a "Lap Top" computer
designed well for complete portability.
Take it on a fishing trip, and if the fish
isn't biting, do some computer work! Or,
take it on a business trip to enter sales
information. But at home, it can be made
into a complete system including disk
drive, printer, big monitor, modem, and the
works .
Sooner or later there will be a Z88
"Big System Box" designed to interface it
to all periphreals needed to become a Big
System. Lets explore the possibilitie.
— The Z80 DART Dual Asynchronous Receive ;
Transmitter. j
—The Z80 DMA Direct Memory Access j
Controller j
—The Z-UPC/U Universal Periphreal \
Gontr oiler j
—The Z-CIO Counter/Timer and Parallel I/O
Unit.
—The Z-FIO FIFO Input/Output Interface !
Unit
The latter offers solutions to interfacing
between the Z80 bus and any other j
asynchornous CPU, or between CPU and j
periphreal circuits. It can also
interconnect components or sub systems that I
are operating at different clock speeds. j
The main point in all of this is to
call attention to the existing full range
of capabilities of the Zilog Z80 family of
microprocessors. They are there to be
exploited, and the price is right for
building the Big System Box that turns the
Z88 into a full fledged desk top system to
complement its outstanding portable
capabilities. And., the users will be eager
to upgrade.
- CO-Processing The SINCLAIR QL -
Yes, we already have multitasking capability
with the QL. But we do not have the
tremendous potential that slave CPU
processing offers. The Sinclair QL is
already equipped with good Serial IN CUT via
the two serial ports, which makes slave CPU
processing just a matter of developing the
outside processor board. Many have found
that "internal multitasking" with the QL is
quite slow because the QL is sharing its
clock with more than one program in
operation. "Co-processing" with a separate
CPU is much faster because each CPU is
operating at its own clock speed. The only
times when either would pause is when time
sharing of a single periphreal would be
needed, or to cross-talk needed information
between the two systems.
- Co-Processing The TS-2068 -
Already we have a number of Parallel and
Serial interfaces for the TS-2068 that can
serve as IN OUT devices to interconnect a
slave CPU. Each Z80 slave can control as
much memory, and in the same manner, as does
the Host TS-2068. A slave CPU could, for
example, control another DOS with four more
disk drives. But lets not get carried away!
A typical BIG System is Larry Kenny's
"Computer Controlled Shop", which I hope that
he will eventually share with us some of its
concepts .
MORE and still MORE!
Bill Pederson's next article "Sinclair Talks"
contributes greatly to the general thesis of
"Taking it to the Limit". Here we are, a
group of Sinclair Users who could be using
stock IBMs to do our computing. Instead we
use computers that never did catch the
imagination of the World's majority of
people. We are unique (if not eccentric).
Did you know that 99% of IBM and other
Computer users spend all of their time
learning to use "Commerical Software"? They
do not even THINK in terms of programming,
interfacing, upgrading capability, or the
concepts discussed in this article- or for
that matter, the general subject matter given
in most of the Update Magazine articles. If
you think that you and we other Sinclar users
are "behind the times" with our equipment,
then Think Again! Our computer usage is far
ABOVE the level of 99% of the Computer users
in the World. We may not ever reach the
zenith, but we are definitely in the
stratosphere in comparison with the general
herd.
Same say "I-t carwj&t be, done," while
others go about doing it. And, some have
more VISION than do others. Bill Pederson
has been busy expanding the TS-2068 since
it first appeared in the American market.
Some of his approaches are unique and
deserve study. His article adds insight
into the ways of interfacing between
computers and the lack of standards used by
various computers for their CPU Buss.
Despite mis-matching buss connectors all
Computers can be interfaced to each other.
If there is a will there is a
way
7— The Zilog Z80 "Periphreal Controllers" \
offer a broad range of System Integration j
with the Z80 CPU. This group makes up the
"Z80 CPU Family". They are listed briefly;
—The Z80 PIO: Parallel INPUT/OUTPUT
Controller.
— The Z80 CTC Counter Aimer.
— The Z80 SIO Serial Input/Output. j
—The Z80 SIO/9 Serial Input /Output . j
21
SINCLAIR TALKS TO PC/XT
Yes! You CAS use PC/XT parallel printer parts
far ISPUT as well as OUTPUT. The source can be
your Sinclair printer driver interface such as
TASXAS, A4J, AERCO, 0LIG2R, or a special unit.
Do you nave TS1000, Spectrum or TS2068 files on
which you might want to use a word processor? Do
you have BASIC programs you want to translate and
run on the PC? You might want to transfer purely
binary data. This might be graphic images, ZSO
code, or instructions to a printer-plotter. A
simple adaptor and BASIC program makes all this
possible.
Because parallel synchronous transmission uses
the strobe signal as a clock instead of CESTROSICS
format, ABRCO and OLIGBB interfaces present a
minor complication. Because they automatically
generate strobe signals, only half a byte can be
transferred at a time.
Figure 1 shows the standard printer (LPTn: )
ports to be found in IBX and clone adaptor cards.
Under XSDOS these parts are initialized and used
only to drive compatible printers. A small BASIC
program can be used instead of MSDOS to initialize
and use these ports for ISPUT.
The synchronous input adaptor is easily made
using widely available IDC type connectors and
ribbon cable. Ho soldering is required, but make
sure that short stubs of cable are used to engage
all unused pins.
It attaches to the end of any CESTROSICS printer
cable. It provides nine OUTPUT lines to the PC
and ane ISPUT. The ninth OUTPUT line is the
clock. The IIPUT line is the BUSY signal. The
remaining eight OUTPUT lines is an eight bit data
bus.
When control of the strobe signal is automatic,
D4 is reassigned to be the clock signal and D5-D8
are used for data nibbles. It takes two transfers
per byte of data.
In either mode, bytes are transferred raw. This
lets you send any kind of data.
A BASIC program is used in each computer.
Xachine code routines could easily be written to
da the same thing, but the average user need not
be concerned. Execution is rather slow, but it
works quite well.
SINCLAIR PRINTER
INTERFACE ADAPTORS
£1
£2
A*J AERCO/OLIGER
DATA Port
123
123
66
127
STATUS Port
251
191
65
127
BUSY Bit Value
1
1
4
15
STROBE Port
251
251
65
Auto
STROBE Bit Value
3
8
4
aaae
ST 3 OS
247
247
4
Write Data
stb'off
255
255
0
Read Status
There is some confusion about identification of
TASXAS interface types. According to TASXAS
documentation, #1 is type A, #2 is type B. USA
has an ambiguous documentation in the literature.
2,2
Sot all existing commercial interfaces are listed;
but if you have the porting data, merely
substitute that in one of the routines listed.
Sate that ASJ STROBE part inverts the signal.
This might also be true for interfaces not listed.
TS2 Q68/SPECTRUM
Transfer Routines
1000 REX TASXAS #1 CALL with 3 = Data Byte
1010 LET BB=IIP 251: LET X=I5T(BB/2>: LET X=8B-X-X
1020 I? X THES GOTO 1020: REX BUSY
1030 OUT 123, B: OUT 251,247: REX Data out, Strobe 01
1040 LET BB=IBP 251: LET X=I3T(BB/2): LET X-BB-X-I
1050 IF HOT X THE! GOTO 1050: REX Wait for ACK
1060 OUT 251,255: RETURS: REX Strobe OFF
1000 REX TASXAS #2 CALL with B = Data Byte
1010 LET BB=ISP 191: LET X=IBTCBB/2): LET X=BB-X-X
1020 IF X THES GOTO 1010: REX BUSY
1030 OUT 123, B: OUT 251, 247: REX Data out, Strobe OS
1040 LET BB=ISP 191: LET X=IST(BB/2>: LET X=BB-X-X
1050 IF SOT X THES GOTO 1040: REX Vait for ACK
1060 OUT 251,255: RETURS: REX Strobe OFF
1000 REX A&J CALL with B = Byte to Transfer
1010 LET BB= ISP 65: LET X=IST(BB/64) : LET X=BB-
64*X
1020 IF X>3 THES GOTO 1010: REX BUSY
1030 OUT 66, B: OUT 65,4: REX Data out, Strobe OS
1040 LET BB= ISP 65: LET X=IST(BB/64) : LET X=BB-
64*X
1050 IF X<4 THES GOTO 1040: REX Vait for ACX
1060 OUT 65,0: RETURS: REX Strobe OFF
1000 REX AERCO/OLIGER CALL with B = Data Byte
1010 LET H=IST(B/16>: LET L=B-16*H: REX Xake
Sibbles
1020 LET BB= IBP 127: LET I=IBTCBB/16> : LET X=BB-
16*X
1030 IF X>15 THES GOTO 1020: REX BUSY
1040 OUT 127,16*H+8: REX Xsn out, CLOCX HI
1050 LET BB= ISP 127: LET I=IST<BB/16) : LET X=BB-
16*X
1060 IF X<16 THES GOTO 1050: REX Vait for ACK
1070 OUT 127.16XH: REX Xsn kept, CLOCK LO
1080 LET BB= ISP 127: LET I=IJT<BB/16> : LET X=BB-
16*X
1090 IF X>15 THES GOTO 1080.: REX BUSY
1100 OUT 127,16*L+8: REX Lsn Out, CLOCK HI
1110 LET BB= ISP 127: LET 1= IIT<BB/16) : LET X=BB-
16*X
1120 IF X<16 THES GOTO 1110: REX Vait for ACX
1130 OUT 127,16*L: RETURS': REX Lsn kept, CLOCK LO
PC/XT
Transfer Routines
100 CLS: PRIST: PRIST: PRIST" DATA TRASSFER FROX
SISCLAIR TO PC/XT*
L10 PHIST: ISP'JT "HOW XASY BYTES? " ; CQUBT
120 PRIST: ISPUT " F I LESAXE? "iFILES
130 PRIST: PR I ST" BASE = 956 FOR DISPLAY ADAPTER
PRISTER PORT
140 PR I ST" BASE = 388 FOR PRIXARY PARALLEL PRISTER
PCRT
150 PR I ST" BASE = 832 FOR MODIFIED PARALLEL PRISTER
PCRT
1(50 ISPUT" ESTER BASE ADDRESS: " ; PDA? A
170 IF PDATA=0 THES LET PDATA=388: PR I HP' DEFAULT
BASE = 338"
130 LET PSTATUS=PDATA+1: LET PC0STR0L=PDATA+2
UPDATE MaG&ZIUE
January 1990
190 OUT PDATA, 1: OUT PCGNTROL , 4 : REX BUSY,
Initialize CONTROL Port for INPUT
200 DEF SEG 16386: REM Assign buffer in memory
(640K assumed)
210 PRINT" Connect Printer Cable w/ Adaptor, then
COST I HUE (F5).":STOP
220 FOR 5=0 TO COUNT- 1
230 OUT PDATA, 0: REM READY
235 REM For TASMAN/A&J, full byte transfer
240 L=INP(PCQNTROL):STB=L AID 1: IF STB=1 THEN GOTO
190
250 OUT PDATA 1: REM BUSY
260 L=(L/2) AND 7 IOR 5; H=INP<PSTATUS) AID 247 XOR
128
270 BYTE=H OR L:POKE N, BYTE: REM Assemble 4 Store
BYTE
280 LOCATE 21,0:PRINT U, BYTE, : REM Verification
290 STB=INP(PCONTROL) AID 1: IF STB=0 THEN GOTO
230: REM Wait for ACK
300 NEXT N:BSAVE F I LE$ , 0 , COUNT- 1 : STOP
235 REM For AERCO/OLIGER, nibble transfer
240 H=INP(FSTATUS):STB=H AND 8: IF STB=8 THEN GOTO
240
250 OUT PDATA 1: REM BUSY
260 H=H AND 240 XOR 128
270 STB=INP(PSTATUS) AID 8: IF STB=0 THEN GOTO
270: REM Wait for ACK
280 OUT PDATA, 0: REM READY
290 L=INP(PSTATUS):STB=L AND 8: IF STB=8 THEN GOTO
290
300 OUT PDATA 1: REM BUSY
310 L=(L AND 240 XOR 128) /16
320 STB=INP(PSTATUS) AND 8: IF STB=0 THEN GOTO
320: REM Vait for ACK
330 BYTE=H+L: POKE N, BYTE
340 LOCATE 21,0:PRINT J, BYTE, : REM Verification
350 NEXT N: BS AVE FILES, 0, COUIT- 1: STOP
<C)1989 Villiam J. Pedersen
I EEE-488 for
SINCLAIR USE RS
In the pages of LIST there have appeared
designs for decent interfaces using Z80 PI0 chips
and dip switch settable addressing. There have
also been some very convenient specialized
versions which do only one thing well.
The lack of a decent source far general
purpose interfaces has kept most people from
taking full advantage of the features of full size
printers, plotters, and other non-TIMEX/sinclair
products.
John McMichael has come out with a driver for
the COMMODORE printer/ platter and color printer.
My personal congratulations to him.
It is not widely known that the COMMODORE
serial port is a simple form of the IBEE-488 GPIB
with serial data transfer in place of parallel.
It holds no mysterious secrets. Vhat is needed to
do the same with a TS2068, SPECTRUM, or QL is a
half way decent interface.
Half way decent means that the interface must
be program configurable so all the pins on the
device to be run (printer or otherwise) are made
available as input or output - not just one unique
device, but for whatever you want to attach. A
single PIO will usually fill the bill.
23'
HORRORS! How can a PIO be used for serial
communications? Doesn' t it take a UART or an SI0?
It depends on how fast you want to transfer
data. A UART or SIO is very handy if you want
your CPU to handle bytes of data. The overhead
for testing UART status makes that slower than you
might expect.
If you settle for bits instead of bytes, all
the papular data transmission protocols became
available to you. Vhen you consider that includes
Local Area Networking and Mainframe access, you
might ask why nobody ever marketed a half way
decent I/O interface.
My guess is that people were so disgruntled
with the limitations of the TS2068 that they
didn't feel like trying. A few diehards have
stayed with it, however. Even so, their efforts
have not been exactly welcomed with opened arms so
they could make a fair return for their honest
sweat.
The answer to this dilemma is to make a
series of small, but effective improvements which
will not have to be redone later, and not so
specialized they don't allow other uses. A half
way decent interface is one of these.
Those who have read some of my previous
articles should know that I think the TS2068 is
inherently one of the mast powerful and fast
computers around, even at triple the price. It
suffers because of barriers in ROM and had
documentation which have people snowed into
believing it was a comedy of errors and
mismanagement .
Don't you believe it.'
Replace that accursed ROM and you have a
jewel of a machine. SCLD video modes are highly
advanced; even better than CGA cards. How come
nobody has written any software which takes
advantage of it? All I have seen is a couple of
pieces of artwork.
A serious suggestion is to get rid of that
special connector arrangement in favor of one that
is commonly available. Vhy make everything depend
on stacking up device after device that won't fit
anything else? I have suggested that the IBM
connector is perfectly suitable, economical, and
has the possibility of accepting clone cards.
That would make it easier far our favorite
computer to stretch its wings. One of those cheap
clone cards happens to BE a half way decent
parallel port. Vhy pay more?
The COMMODORE information shows how six 1/0
pins from a PIO (or even the joystick port!) can
be used to run their disk drives, printer/plotter
and graphic printer with your "obsolete" computer.
Xy reason for supplying this information is to get
you users out there to get off your duffs and
begin to demand (and get) better things made for
you. Support your suppliers by being willing to
pay what the products are worth - and they VI LL be
worth it. SOUND OFF! The TS2068 is still in
production legally and otherwise around the world.
That should tell you something. Everywhere but
here? Vhy?
Shaw a little support and wonders can happen.
Your computer is not just an obsolete toy. Slay
those software TROLLS with your support.
Did you catch that reference to the joystick
UPDATE MAGAZINE
January 1990
part? Whether yau missed it or not, look far
"*DR. STHA3GBQUARK' S SUPER- DUPER JOY GEIEEATOR*" ,
coming soon to your local newsletter.
*DR. STRASGEQU ARK'S SUPER- DUPHR JOY GEIERATOR*
Have you been barking up trees like a hound
dawg with its tail between his legs futilely
hunting for some **WAY« for your **TS2068** to
*SFEAK* to a ##XEIGHB0R##?.
Is that what's *BUGGIXG* you Bunky?
Veil, ##FRIEND##, a ! i XARVELQUS CURE I ! far
your **DISSATISFACTIOX** is 5iF0ETHC0XI3GSS. Tune
in your **AUDIT0RY SESSQR DEVICES** 4 i'LISTEJ!!
GET THAT IDIOT OUT OF HERE! !
That's better. Sigh
So -- what IS this all about?
When TIXEX released the TS2068, they did a
logical thing — for them, but not for us.
In order to prevent using the joystick port
(I0A) for OUTPUT to devices that TIXEX didn't make
and others DID, they left off the G2FD connection.
This barrier is easily bypassed, but first
you need to know it was put there on purpose. If
you don't, it is just another example of something
that doesn't work. You've been faked out.
When used for joysticks, the port is in the
INPUT mode. Signals are pulled down to near GSD
level by a transistor through pin 6 left, or 6
right. There is no need for a GXD pin, which was
supposed to be pin 9 both right and left. Diodes
prevent one Joystick from interfering with the
other.
AIT device which can pull signal lines low
can be used for IJPUT. It need not be a joystick.
When it comas to OUTPUT, the situation is a
bit different. Joystick pins can be driven high,
but because of the diodes, cannot be driven low.
Low I OA port signals cannot get through.
Unless the joystick pins are pulled low by
resistors to G2TD, they cannot be used far OUTPUT,
low where is that GXD pin? It figures
Can it really be that simple?
Yes. It CAS be and IS.
First, cut a joystick extension cord in half.
If you like to be neat, uses a small hunk of perf
board to tie down the cut ends and make room for
five 15k 1/4W resistors. Jumper all the wires as
if they had not been cut. Then wire one end of
each resistor to wires from pins 1, 2, 3, 4, 4 Q.
Wire all the other ends to the wire from pin 9 and
another L6" iantt wire far Dickin* up GID from any
other convenient location. Vrap this mess in
insulating tape and you nearly have it.
The cable end is the wrong sex to fit the
joystick port of another TS2068. Tau can either
use a sex change adapter, or make your cable from
two extension cords. The latter is probaoia the
cheaper and better approach.
Xy preference far picking up the G5D is to
strip some insulation from the EAR cable and use a
small alligator clip an the 16" wire. You can use
any method you wish.
*HARK* to this *AST0USDI3GL7* ! ! GOOD SEWS! !
Oh, SHADDUP!
The good news is that yau now have a fully
functional part which can be used far any jab
which does not require more than five signal pins.
This includes driving the C0XX0DQRE daisy
chained serial synchronous interface, far one.
The TS2068 SOUXD instruction can be used to
drive this interface, or machine code routines can
be used. The variety of applications passible is
so great that I will leave it up to you eager
programmers to have a go at it. One that comes
immediately to mind is nibble transfer from one
TS2068 to another with handshaking.
Dr. Strangequark
Summary; A 'JesuzsisLc Compute*, has not
yet been offered to the public and may not
ever be. A generic ccnputer would provide
the standardization needed for direct hook
up between computers of the same type or
between different kinds to provide
additive capability. Two or more computers
can be operated as an integrated system by
proper interfacing.
The concept runs counter to the special
interests of each manufacturer of computers
who would like for their product to be
exclusive. Because of non-standard buss
construction Interfaces must be specially
designed.
The big money is in selling whole
computers and their needed periphreals.
Software Sales for specific types _ of
computers comes next in market potential .
Manufacturers are not even slightly
interested in developing their products to
be capable of co-processing with another
brand of computer. The market potential
for devices and software to support "two
brands of computers" working in an
integrated environment is not strong. Thus
there are few who will spend the time to
work toward interfacing computers.
Many Sinclair users have two or more
computers, seme as many as a half dozen.
We Sinclair users have much to gain by
interfacing to gain co-processing
capability. Doing that with the QL is the
easiest. Interfacing between two different
computers is more difficult, but is
practical and inexpensive to accomplish.
The following names are mentioned as
leaders in the Sinclair User Group who are
active in interfacing projects: Larry
Kenny (Larken Electroncis) . Bill Pederscn
(WIDJUP), John McMichael, John Oliger,
Larmour Crawford, Charles Bothner. I
suspect that these entrepreneurs couid
develop a super capable genvUc PC compute*.
if we could lock them up together in a
garage shop. _3J-
2.4
5B25S
CENTRONICS SYNCHRONOUS
PRINTER INPUT
OUTPUT ADAPTOR
DB25P
3
53
8
5?
7
28
S
55
5
D4
4
53
3
52
2
51
2
13
13
29
21
22
GN5
23
24
25
BUSY
11
13
ACE
18
12
PE
12
13
SEL
13
15
eH
15
17
selin
17
16
INIT
16
14
ML
14
1
STB
1
zm
— >-
-< — >-
DATA
— <_
<ALT CLE)
(Nibble
Node)
5ATA -
4 r
CLE
11
GN5
BUSY
READY
57
56
55
54
53
52
5i_
STB
(Extends standard cable)
Operation
. test
Initialize BASE+2
xxxBilBB for Printer Output (default)
xxx88188 for Synchronous input
L=IN (BASE+2) : Shift right to
STROBE and allign bits 8 - 2
L=L AN5 88888111 XOR 88888181
H=IN (BASE+1)
H=H AN5 11111888 XOR 18888888
5ATA=H OR L
23
TS2068 BACK-PLANE EXPANSION SYSTEM STANDARD
DC TAKE-OFFS
GMD
ERR
R7R
□7
NC
SLOT
DO
Oi
06
05
03
04
INT
NM I
HRLT
MREQ
IORQ
RQ
VP
BUSRCK
WRIT
SUSREQ
RESET
Ml
RF5H
EXROM
RQ5C3
BE
I0R5
SOUND
GMD
-0 23
- 013
18
-017
016
-315
-014
-h D 13
-012
-Oil
010
— 0 9
-08
-0 7
-Ob
-0 5
-0 4
—0 3
-02
-01
\
01
0—
2ND
+ 15V
+5V
NC
SLOT
GND
GND
(MB
O-4 RQ
Ri
0-j RE
R3
R15
0-j H14
R13
R1E
Rli
R1Q
R9
RS
R7
<H Rb
RS
R4
NC
R
(V
G
0
B
0
NC
o
VIDEO
GND
PC/XT
POWER
SUPPLY
+5U-t
Q©-£
-12U —
+ 12U-1 -
EVEREX EV-1885
EXPANSION SLOTS
1 L J L J L J L J I J I J J
TS2068 BUS TO EVEREX EV-1085
2068
CMC!
BUSRE4
Ml
MM
IORQ
RD
ROSCS
HALT
RfSH
INT
RST DV
DRQ2
[-12U3
CD SEL
I+12U1
[■GND1
MEMW
HEMR
I OR
DACK3
DACK1
DR&l
CLGCE
iRae
IRQ5
IRQ4
IRQ3
DA CM
[NC3
ALE
I+5M1
I/O EDGE
Bl
B4
B5
B18
Bil
B12
B13
B15
B16
B2i
B22
B23
A 14
A IB
A 17
ft 13
A24
A25
A26
A27
A28
A29
57
51
CH RD? WAIT
A EH
A 13
A 18
A 16
A 15
A 13
All
A 18
A3
A2
2068
D3
BUSACK
*A17*
A 15
A 14
A12
A?
A5
A3
A2
U = EVEREX WIRED CONNECTION.
PRIMARY ADAPTER
TS2968 REAR CONNECTOR
H *-
RGB
T I
s
2 !
4 i
8 8
^8 48 o
m^r io
I TAEE-OFFS 0
[0 o
EAR
S/T
+15
+5
GND
EXTENDER
CABLE ASSEMBLY
IDC
DIPS
CLIP
TWO
WIRES
1
IDE5B or IDS58
BUS DRIVER CARD
Cartridge
DAISY Q
EUEREX
R
I
Used if
I
) 1NL
NOTES :
L Card has saw general
layout for all applications.
2. Table shows connections
used when IBM cowpatibilitg
is not ittplewented.
3_. New Cartridge slot mist
Le used if hank_switching is
i»ple«ented. (BE conflict)
_4_. DAISY is for advanced
WIDJUP autoconfiguring use.
5_. User cards can have two
edges, one for each sgste».
2,6
n* DR, STRANGEHU ARK'S
SUPER-SUPER JQ¥ GENERATOR * *
5 4 3 2
JOVSTICX \0 O O
POST \ O Q <
o o/
9 8
*~1 15kil
15k At"
See
note
Add &B9F to BB3F
Sex Change Adapter
if required for
your application.
NOTE: IGA5 is available at the
TS2568 rear connector, and on
the WI5JUP standard adaptor.
If this signal is brought in
and connected to Pin 5, there
are enough signal lines for
full bidirectional handshake
when transferring nibbles.
CENTRONICS to IBM PC/XT ADAPTOR
CENTRONICS CABLE END
DDK36S
(TYPICAL)
Uffl
ASS¥.
l4
I ! ! i !
. /////
Hi 1(1
i irk i
/////
///
hi A\
5B25S
Trim after
Assewbly. ~
FILLER
PIECE
IBM PC/XT END
Carefully prepare 36 conductor ribbon
cable as shown above. The MESH includes
allowance for strain relief, the FILLER
PIECE is needed to assure proper spacing.
When asseabling, Make sure to correctly
watch up Pin 1. A snail vise can be used
to wake assembly easier.
2,7,
1 J1C t-
sel eeti
OPEN
puts no.
NUMBER JEW ICE
R °r 5 GRAPHIC PRINTER
Pin
i
3
4
5
Description
SERIAL srq IN
GnD
SERIAL ATN IM/OUT
SERIAL CLE IN/OUT
10
LQ
L0
LO
Device needs service.
COMMAND identifier
CoMPuter / SPIB etc
i|| strobe Handshake
DATA bits, LSB first
j< Bytes sent under A1N to devices
(O igse
(Primary and optional secondary addr.)
CLOCK
MIA
-LISTENED READy-FOR-DATA
Isl
' ' LISTENER DA I A ACCEPTED-,'
inrjLHjTjinjL!
|-MM VALID J F J
LSB MSB
— TALKER READV-TO-SEND
LISTENER READV-FGR-DATA
LISTENER DATA ACCEPTED-,
njifuuuui/L ]
DATA VALID
BB H NE
JND-OR- I DENT I FV (POLL tor IDENTIFY)
j-IALKER READV-TO-SEND
UTJiTLJinjirin_c
TALKER SENDING ' '
LSB USB
LISTENER READS-FOR DATA
EOI-TINEDUT HANDSHAKE
LISTENER READV-FOR-DAIA
SVSTEM LINE RELEASE
Make DEVICE a TALKER and LISTEN
ATN
r- ACX IS NOW TALKER
I -r TALKER READy-TO-SEND
, _ + r-i»**tx xiHi/x-iu-SEND
MTaEETi
BECOMES LISTENER -
CiAiHEj !Fj
JliJLiJLiJliJllJliJliJllJL
^-READ¥ FOR DATA
NOTES;
1. "Device not presenfif > mx.
2. E0I response required if > ttax.
3. Frane error if > nax.
4. V and PR 68 uSEC nin for TALKER,
5. rimng of TK, DC and DA depends on how long
it takes for the XLISTENER to recognize the
wrong polarity of DATA, the KTALKER to
recognize the "wrong- polarity of CLOCK, and
adjust states accordingly,
Synbol
AT
H
NE
S
V
F
R
BB
VI
IT
RV
PR
DC
DA
Description
SERIAL BUS TIMING (uSEC)
'nse(R^uired)
ATN Res. , 4«.
Ji^gj^ Hold-Of,
DATA Valid
FRAME Handshake
B?tLM?Ere °f m
£01 Response
TALKER Response Linit
cVJE Acknowledge
nnrvH5I?JLP„b? TALKER
CLOCK Held LO by XLIS'R
Note
Min
( T*ip / Mav
i
i
1088
INF
2
48
288
4
20
70
28
28
3
0
20
28
1888
280
258
60
8
38
68
4
5
28
38
5
P L OTT It IG E 9 UAT 1 0 f-j 5
U.»i th PAD ICAL3
by: Ukwuzn FsUcfae,
B e f 0 r e w € get deeply in ■-• 0 1. *•• e d
in this t u t oriat . I e t s h a v e a
brief r e v i ew 0 f r a d i c a t 5 . Ue
mill restrict r. y r disc u s = i 0 n 1 0
that wh i c h we n e e d 1 0 r n ow t o
Plot equations containing them.
A radical is the r 0 0 1 o f a n um -
be r . or a number e x p r e s s i 0 n ,
called a radicand. Ue are in-
v o I v e d h e r e i n 0 n I y w i t h t hose
0 f the s e c 0 n d 0 r d e r . wh i c h are
u s u a I l y k n 0 iu n a s s q u a re r 0 0 1 s .
There are only two things for
us to remember. ONE The
s q u are r 0 o t 0 f a n e g a t i v e n urn -
be r is imaginary. For us. and
the computer, i t d 0 e s n ' t e x i s t .
TUG.... flit square roots have
Uuo s o l u lion s , apt u s one and a
m i n u s one. To i I l u s t rate, there
1 s n 0 real r 0 o t f o r the s q u a r e
r 0 0 t of -4 , but the s q u are r o 0 t
of +4 can be either 42 or -2.
Another thing to remember is
that p owe r s . 1 1 K e the s q u are o r
cube of a number on the f 52056 .
a s 0 n ma n y 0 1 h e r c omp u t e r s .
are evaluated by the use of an
a l g 0 r i t hm emp 1 0 y i n q 1 0 q a r i t hms .
As there are no 1 0 aari t hms- 0 f
n e g a t i v e n u m b e r s . w e m u s t re-
sort to an alternate method of
e x pre s s ion. For e x a m pie. the
c 0 mp 1.1 1 e r w i I l n 0 t ujo r R w i t h
1-2) t3, the cube or third power
of -2 (ansme r =-5) . but it will
accept (-2) * <-fi) * (-2) , which is
the same thing.
So when we have an equation
containing a radical or a power
1 0 p lot . we mu st t a R e steps t o
consider the computer's short -
comi rigs . If we don ' t , we ' 1 1 be
plagued by "invalid argument",
error reports, and a hung-up
program.
In each of the folio w i n q pro-
grams line 140 is devised" to
looR at the radicand to see if
its value is positive or n e q a -
t i v e . if it has- a value less
than 0, it must be negative and
its root is imaginary. Thus a
1 1 ne s u c h as 150 s R i ps over it.
If the radicand is positive and
acceptable, lines such as 153
and 170 initialize the value of
the equation for each + or - .
value of its radical.
Ue are not yet "0 u t 0 f the
woods". As in the previous tu-
torial on the graphing of poly-
nomials, we must test the magni-
tude of y 1 , y2 , etc.. at each
point along the X-axis, before
attempting to plot a pixel. If
the absolute value of the ordin-
ate is too great, the c omp u t e r
will try to plot beyond the con-
fines of the screen. 5o these
values must be s Ripped to avoid
getting an "out of range" error
report, and another h u n q up pro-
gram. Lines such as 130 and
200 do this for us. no
After each equation or its
+/- counterpart is so tested
and found to be acceptable, its
Pixels are Plotted by lines
such as 190 , 200 , etc. Notice-
that there is only one FnuP -
NEXT loop. All c omp u ted v a 1 n «=•
are Plotted in a s i n q t e p a « *
thru this loop. Ue c o u id ha e
plotted the equations sequen-
tially, repeating the loop, but
a single loop is a t a d qui c k e r .
Th e r e is one other probl em wc
call again to your attention.
1 1 w a s mentioned in an earlier
tutorial called, "Circles on
the T52063". The vertical
scale and the horizontal s c a 1 <=
of the Timex screen is rmt 11.
The vertical scale i s s t r * t r h e d
so that a circle looks I i k e an
ellipse with ma.ior axis verti-
cal. This can be very nearly
o f is e t by using 4. vertical pi * -
els to 5 horizontal p i x e l s in a
required 1 to 1 relationship.
Hence, in the selection of t h *
scale factors v and H, we used
30 vertical pi x e 1 s 1 0 r <= p r * « e n t
10 units and 100 horizontal" pix-
els to represent 10 units.
Eighty to one -hundred is a 4 to
5 ratio. Shapes w i I I n 0 w s u f -
f e r very little distortion.
Program G-13 plots two equa-
tion s s i mu 1 1 a n e 0 u sly
y t2+4y +x t2-4x -56=0
(2-y ) x.12-l5=0
Th e s e two we re r ew r i 1 1 e n tn
e x p r «s o y a s a f un c t i 0 n of x .
res u King in
y =--»>o r - ( -x t2 +4x +60 ) t . 5
y =2-16 /xt 2
Students of math among us may
recognize these equations right
off as a circle and hyperbola.
Also, they may rightfully con-
tend that both curves can easi-
ly be roughed in by determining
the center and radius of the
circle, and the as symp totes and
void areas of the hyperbola.
But not all curves are as
easily analyzed and plotted.
The TS computer, however, can
handle equations that are not
readily analyzed, just as
easily as the two in these
ex amp les .
Program G-14 considers the
equations of a parabola and an
other hyperbola. They are
y 1-2=4 (8-x)
iy-1) 12 (x-i) =1
Uhen we rewrite these to ex-
press y in terms of x. we get..
y=+ or -2(3-x)t.5
y =1+ or -(x-i)t(-.s)
Note that to plot a complete
curve where y is ex preyed in
terms of x and a radical, there
will be upper ( + j and lower
parts of the curve. These sep-
arate parts are identified by
yl, y2 . ys, and -u.
5 REM 4* "G-13" . 7-22-89 , UF
10 REM 4* PLOTTING EQUATIONS
LUi th a RADICAL
20 PLOT 0,35: DRAW 0,-85: DRflU
255.0: DRflU 0,35: DRflU -255,0:
DRflU 0 , 39 : DRflU 255 , 0 : DRflU 0 ■ -3
9: PLOT 130,0: DRflU 0,175
40 FOR n =5 TO 155 STEP 20: PLO
T 129. n: PLOT 131.n: NEXT n
50 FOR n =30 TO 230 STEP 20: PL
OT n/37: PLOT n , 85 : NEXT n
_ 60 PRINT AT 1 , 15; "Y" .; AT 12 ,30;
A70HfflaHi6,l7;',+5";flT 16,17
\"z S^_:_ RjE»_**_5 !- fl L E , Y - A X 15
7 , " + 10" : REM SCALE ■ X-AXIS
100n9'J =3 : ||" xM^ = 10
120BSBx=-3 TO +11 STEP .1
130 REM ■** FIRST CURUE
!40SE3rad i ca I = -x *x +4*x + 60
150 IF radical ;0 THEN GO TO 220
150SS3^ 1 =-2 + r a d i c a l t . s
1 70H^5aty 2 = -2 - r a d i c a 1 1 . 5
180 IF ABS yl*U>35 THEN GO TO 2
00
190 PLOT X+H+130 , y l*U+35
200 IF ABS y2*U>35 THEN GO TO 2
20
210 PLOT X*H+130,y2*U+35
220 REM SECOND CURUE
240 IF ABS y 3 *U i 86 THEN GO TO 2
50
250 PLOT x*H+130,y3*U+86
260 NEXT X
300 PRINT AT 3,4; "'-11 = -2+ (-Xt 2+4
X+60) t .5"
310 PRINT AT 4, 1 ; "y2=-2- ( -xt2+4
x+60) t .5"
320 PRINT AT 12 , 1.; "y3=2-16/Xt2"
Y
y l=-2+ ( - x t 2 +
y 2 =-2- ( -x t2+4x +
-10 T"^-,
1
ix +50) t . 5
50) t .5
>
r+'i0
y3=2-15/xt2 \
\
i H •
There are simp tier ways of
Plot tin a these curves., but the-
me thod used here a I lotus us to
suggest a means of solving
these equations simultaneously,
using the computer to do the
heavy, tiring computations. It
involves computina the common x
and y values at their points of
intersection. This will be the
subject of some future tutorial.
HartQ in there .....
5 REM ** "G-14" , 7-22-39. ..:
10 REM ** PLOTTING EQUATIONS
With TUO RADICALS
20 PLOT 0,85: DRflU 0.-85: DRflU
255,0: DRflU 0,36: DRflU -255.0:
DRflU 0,39: DRflU 255.0: DRflU 0.-3
9: PLOT 130,0: DRflU 0.175
40 FOR n=6 TO 166 STEP 20: PLO
T 129, n: PLOT 131. n: NEXT n
50 FOR n =30 TO 230 STEP 20: PL
OT n.37: PLOT n.35: NEXT n
60 PRINT AT 1,15; "Y" ; AT 10.30;
"X"
7Pfcaffl*Ul -IT: " +10 " ; RT 20,1
7; "-10" ; REM ** SCALE, Y-AXIS
80KaEEBBE9ti3 .2; "-10" ; at 12.2
7; " + 10" : REM »* SCALE , X-AXIS
i00g»j=3 ■ - 3 0
120KHX =-2 TO +10 STEP .1
130 REM ** FIRST CURUE
150 IF radical-; 0 THEN GO TO 220
l60*g=H§y l = +2*r ad i c a 1 1 . 5
i70BHwy2=-2*r ad i ca it . 5
130 IF ABS yl*U>36 THEN GO TO 2
00
190 PLOT x*H+130 , Ul*U+35
200 IF ABS y2*U>86 THEN GO TO 2
20
210 PLOT X4H + I30 . y2*U+36
220 REM ** SECOND CURUE
2 30Bdr a d i c a 1 =x - 1
240 IFradi ca I <0 THEN GO TO 295
250ffB»-t 3 = 1 + r a d i c a 1 t - . 5
250Hawty 4 = 1 - r a d i ca It - .5
270 IF ABS y3*U>S6 THEN GO TO 2
35
230 PLOT x*H+I30 .U3*U+S6
285 IF ABS y4*U>36 THEN GO TO 2
95
290 PLOT X*H+130,U4*U+S6
295 NEXT X
(300 PRINT AT 3, 1; "yl=+2 (S-X) t .5
t310 PRINT AT 5/1; "y 2=-2 (S-X ) t .5
320 PRINT AT 13 . 1 ; "y3=l+ (X -1) t -
.5"
330 PRINT AT 15 . 1 : "y 4=1- (X -1) t -
.5"
yl=+2 (3-x) t .5%
y2=-2 (3-x ) t . 5 J-
\
\
-10 _ /
+ 10
.
y 3=1+ i x - 1 ) t - . 5
y4 = i- (x -1) t- . 5-
\ / +10
1 \
-10
3.0
Uarr&n Fricfce
UPDATE MBOZINE
January 1990
Flashback
David Youngquist
Before I begin talking about Flashback I
need to say a little bit about Archive. After
all, why buy another database program when
you get one free with your computer?
I've always liked databases, and I like
Archive, but Bill Cable's columns have
shown me that I certainly haven't learned
everything about Archive. I've never even had
a data file lock me out from forgetting to
close it. Though I have fallen asleep waiting
for a search thru a 150K data file on disk.
That perhaps is Archive's biggest weakness;
it keeps the bulk of its data on your
microdrive cartridge or disk. Searches are
terribly slow while it looks at each bit of
data on the drive to see if it is the one
needed. The nice thing about this is it
allows standard 128K machines to keep data
files much larger than they could handle in
RAM. When one expands their QL with extra
RAM this plus turns into a liability. [
Editor's note : if you have enough free RAM,
once an ARCHIVE database or any file has been
totally read once the QL keeps a copy in RAM
and eliminates unnecessary device accesses.
With archive a simple way to get a database
into RAM is to Search for something that
won't be found. If you are altering or
inserting there will be lots of device
accesses in any case. Also if you order your
ARCHIVE database and use the Locate command
you can have near instantaneous searches no
matter how big the database is . ]
Flashback keeps its data file in RAM. In
fact it will multi-task, by itself, with
another program without needing Taskmaster or
QRAM. I have a setup with just Quill and
Flashback that I find very useful . From
another program pressing the 'ALT' and 'V
together (or another defined pair) will bring
up Flashback. It also works fine with
Taskmaster .
Flashback has records and fields in the
records like Archive. However a record or a
field can be one character long or 10s of
thousands of characters long. A record can
have only one field or up to 60 fields. The
number of fields or the field length can be
different for each record. A field marker can
be deleted joining two fields or sub- field
markers added. A single record can also be
split into two records at any point.
Flashback has the standard database
commands (NEXT, BACK, FIRST, LAST, etc.) and
some interesting new ones. Using the MERGE
command picks up ASCII text from most any
source. Capturing a Quill file or SuperBASIC
listing is easy. There is a utility to
convert Archive files to Flashback. One can
pop out of Flashback with a record and place
it into Quill, SuperBASIC or whatever. Use
Flashback to capture a series of standard
SuperBASIC procedures and file them. When you
are writing a program in SuperBASIC call up
Flashback and do a search to find the one
wanted and bring it back to SuperBASIC.
Searches are advertised to be 100 times
faster than Archive. My experience is that
they have been as near to instant as I can
tell. If anything is done to change the file
then it needs to be SAVEd. This is much more
safe than having the file OPEN during the
changes.
The worst thing about databases is having
to type in all that data! Here is a way to
have your QL make a very useful database for
you. Take a look at the SuperBASIC listing I
call 'Directory'. This sends the information
from Toolkit II 's WSTAT (like DIR but more
data) of a number of disks or microdrive
cartridges to a RAM disk file. I then capture
it with Flashback's MERGE command and have a
smart library guide to all my software
medium.
Those without Toolkit II will need to
delete line 100 and change the WSTAT in lines
160 and 230 to DIR. Those without RAM disks
can change their reference in lines 160, 220
and 240 to a device they are not using. This
means if you are using microdrive 1 to scan
directories then keep your catalog of
directory information on microdrive 2.
Run Flashback with an empty database and
Directory in SuperBASIC. The program asks how
may files, and this means how many cartridges
or disks you wish to scan. When all the disks
or microdrive cartridges are scanned for
their directories then go into Flashback and
CREATE a new record. Then use the MERGE
command to 'MERGE_ram3_file#l' and the
directory inforatian is now in your record.
You may add field markers at your leisure.
The file name "filetl" is also arbitrary and
easily changed. Next CREATE a new record
again and MERGE. Use the cursor control to go
to the end of the prompt and change it to
'MERGELram3_file#2' . And so on until all the
directories are now records.
.1;
UPDATE MBGaZIHE
January 1990
I purchased Flashback frcm Sharps for $40
and feel it is a good value.
Directory . A SOPEBERSIC Program to use
with Flashback
10 REMark Directory Record Maker for
Flashback
20 By- David Youngquist
30 REMark unwitting help by Mike Lloyd in
5/89 QL World
100 TK2JSXT
110 CLS:CLS#2:CLS#0
120 INFUT"Don't forget the '"W'Device?
";d$
130 INFOTV How many files? 1 ;n
140 FOR Z=i TO n
145 n$=,file#,&z
147 AT#0, 0, 48 :PRINT#0\' Insert
disk/ cart rige' :wait
150 scan
160 CLS#0:CLS#2:PRINT#2/ Directory list in
RAM3 ' \ :WSTAT#2 , ram3_
170 END FOR z
175 AT#0 ,1,48:PRINT#0, "All done"
180 :
190 DEFine PROCedure scan
210 CLS
220 0PEN_NEW#3 , ' ram3_* &n$
230 WSTAT#3, d$: CL0SFJ3
240 OPEN_IN#3 , * ram3_' &n$
250 INFUT#3, line$:PRINT "CATALOG: "\;line$
260 REPeat loop
270 FOR x = 1 TO 18
280 INPUT#3 , 1 ine$ : PRINT line$
290 IF EOF(#3): EXIT loop
300 IF KEYRCW(l) = 8: EXIT loop
310 END FOR X
320 PRINT "More >": PAUSE
330 AT 2,0:CLS 3:CLS 2
340 END REPeat loop
350 CLOSE#3
360 wait
370 END DEFine scan
380 :
390 DEFine PROCedure wait
400 AT#0,2,48:FRINT#0," Touch any key
": PAUSE :CLS#0
410 END DEFine wait
420 :
32
QLSOPIWME
offered by:
Wood and Wind Computing
RR-2 Box 92
Cornish, NH 03745
Call if you want mora information: 603 675 2218
OfflDS BUSTERS : Just released frcm Wood and
Wind Computing.
If you have ever wasted time trying to find
a file in your pile of disks and
microdrives you need the help of CHAOS
BUSTERS . Consisting of :
■ - Displays and prints your media
directory in column, format, natural or
alphabetic order, screen paging for long
directories. It has a search function for
locating and displaying file names
containing a specified string. Saves your
eyes in spotting a file. You can search
across many disks making only 2 key presses
for each disk you insert.
FILEX - This program will make an export
file of your directory and WSTAT
information for import to ARCHIVE. This
gives you an instant file/media database.
File extension is made a field (doc, aba).
If available file creation date and size
are in the database. Dates are yy/mm/dd
format for sensible selecting and ordering.
You can build your database at a rate of
over 1000 files an hour (faster than a
747). The next program makes any knowledge
of ARCHIVE unnec essay in using your
database.
DBEasy
- This is a database manager that
works as a front end or shell for ARCHIVE.
It runs within ARCHIVE but you work frcm
menus and need know nothing about ARCHIVE
commands. Most of ARCHIVE'S awesome power
is at your finger tips. DBEasy creates and
manages databases for many different
applications. It keeps a log file of all
your databases and allows you to swtich
between them. Your FILEX file database can
be just one of many databases you might
want. Databases for addresses, expenses,
income , tapes , stamps , books , or whatever can
easily be created and managed. You can
insert, alter, delete, select, order, find,
search, locate, display 3ingle or multiple
records, print records, partial records,
mailing labels to a file or printer, do
simple suns, export to ABACUS for more
serious calculations. As a stand alone
program DBEasy sells for $21.95.
This trio is ready to bust your chaos for
$29.95 on 5 1/4 or 3 i/2 DSDD or $33.95 an 2
microdrives (specify if your QL is
expanded) . Order from:
Wood and Wind Computing : Sill Cable : RR 3
Box 92 : Cornish, SH 03745
UPDATE MRGaZIHE
RELEASING PRINTER
POWER EROM A QL
Peter Hale, P.O. Box 8763, Boston, MA 02114
Many with a QL do not know how to get the most
out of their printers. This is particularly true
of those using QUILL who would like fancier doc-
uments, but feel they are limited to the enhance-
ments (highlights) provided in QUILL (High & Low
Scipt, Bold and Underlined).
This article describes (in possibly excessive
detail) how to get the most out of a printer from
within a QUILL document. The road to delight may
seem a little untidy, but the printer power re-
leased from within your QL will be more than you
could get from all but the most powerful and
complicated word processors on other computers.
As illustration we will refer to the QL printer,
partly because so many people have this printer,
but also because it uses Epson printer codes and
therefore has direct application to any Epson
compatible printer.
If you understand QUILL documents, printer codes
and the use of install_bas, go immediately to
TABLE I and the section USING PRINTER CODES.
THE QUILL DOCUMENT
As viewed on the monitor screen the QUILL file
shows the effect of embedded (invisible) codes in
representing text. For example, pressing F4 then
B changes subsequent text to a different color
that represents a bold face to the text to be
printed. Pressing F4 then B again releases the
color and returns it to the original. But no one
sees any specific character on the screen.
The code for bold is QUILL-specific. It is not
visible on-screen but is in the _doc. Actually
there are two different codes: one to turn on the
bold highlight, the other to turn it off.
When printing a QUILL _doc, you have noticed that
drive 1 on your setup will whirr. This is QUILL
searching for a file called printerjat which has
data to change (translate) QUILL's own codes into
codes that can be understood by the printer.
Thus, printing a document from within QUILL is a
three-part exercise (as it is with any other,
lesser wordprocessing program):
1) The typist prepares the QUILL jioc by
invisibly embedding codes in the document through
judicious use of the F4 key and its parameters.
2) The printer jiat file (otherwise called the
printer driver) translates embedded codes into
ones understood by the printer. The values in a
given printer_dat file filter the QUILL _doc file
on its way to the serial port, changing QUILL
codes to printer codes.
3) When the printer receives codes in a "lan-
guage" it understands, it changes the printer
font or enhancement that will apply to printing
subsequent text.
OK. Got that? If not, try re-reading it because
it is important to understanding what follows.
PRINTER CODES
We will use the QL printer manual for specific
references. Some will cite it as one of the more
obfuscating documents in computerdom. Those who
accept this canard have lived a sheltered life,
unexposed to other printer manuals, all of which
were written by summa cum laude graduates
of the IBM school of technical writing.
As imperfect as the QL printer manual is, it is
really very good. Like other manuals it lists the
different codes (often called commands in other
manuals) and what each does. In the QL printer
manual there is a table on pages 67 and 68.
All codes are expressed in one of three ways:
Symbolic (character representation in a format
left over from teletype days), Hex or Decimal.
The three are interchangeable. [Some printers,
such as the older Mannesman-Tallys, have unique
codes, but we are talking here about Epson
compatible printers.]
The codes themselves are generally non-printing
characters or start with a non-printing charac-
ter. They can be represented symbolically or by
decimal or hex digits through installjas. For
examples see pages 4 and 6 of the Information
section of the QL manual itself.
The table in the printer's manual lists commands,
33
briefly describes each command's function, and
refers to the page in the manual where you may or
may not learn more about its use.
Most printer codes are preceeded by ESC (in dec-
imal: 27, in hex: IB). Some, such as condensed,
double-wide and form feed have single codes.
Printer command codes with ESC are followed by a
letter or other non-numeric character, and
possibly a third and fourth numeric character.
When a string of characters arrives at the
printer and one of the codes is present, the
printer reads the codes. If the code is ESC, it
knows to pay attention to the characters that
follow until they no longer make sense as printer
commands. Then the printer treats subsequent code
as characters to be printed in the commanded way
until another command arrives telling it to do
something else.
If we could place other codes within a QUILL
document, we could release the power of the
printer, so pay attention to what follows.
USING IN ST AL L_JB AS
The SuperBASIC program install_bas that came with
QUILL enables us to insert codes in a QUILL doc-
ument to access features built into the printer.
The codes will be visible on the QUILL screen as
characters from the QL character set, but will
not be sent to the printer head. Before arriving
at the printer, through the magic of translation,
the character will be translated into printer
commands (control codes).
Thus we will choose characters that are not norm-
ally part of English text. These are characters
accessed by holding the CTRL and SHIFT keys
simultaneously and pressing one of the alphabetic
characters. The characters resulting tend to be
Greek or Scandanavian ones rarely needed.
The reason for install J>as is to modify the file
install jiat (a collection of data about codes for
a number of printers) and to create printer jiat,
the working data file for your specific printer.
Load and run install_bas in the usual way. It
must be on drive 1 on a medium with installjiat,
printer jiat and a working copy of QUILL.
It takes time to load, then you must specify the
drive on which installation and driver data are
kept. This is usually drive 1 since QUILL
defaults to drive 1 for printer jiat.
Next, the prompt asks if you are using a standard
serial port (serl or ser2) to the printer. This
is the choice even if you have a parallel printer
but are using a parallel interface cable. The
option for a non-standard serial port or a
parallel port only applies if there is a special
port for PAR such as is found on a Super QBOARD
disc controller.
It takes a few minutes for the QL to organize
data from the install jiat and printer jiat files,
then the screen presents a list of printers and
notes the most recently installed driver.
We won't repeat instructions for installing
printer drivers that are so ablely presented on
pages 3 to 7 in that section of the QL manual
called Information - there isn't space here.
Instead., we will briefly step through the process
of modifying an EPSON FX-80 driver. On page 6 of
the Information section the right-hand column of
the table is a close approximation of the FX-80
driver, except that the port is serl and the
preamble code should spell ESC in upper case
characters if it is to work.
Move the cursor over EPSON FX-80 with the down
cursor key and press Fl to copy it. Then move the
cursor to the copy and press F2 to edit it.
The cursor will be over the driver name. Press a
right or left cursor key to change it, then type
a printer name (up to 14 characters) and press
ENTER.
The other lines are translates even if they don't
admit it. The ones from PORT to SUPERSCRIPT OFF
are dedicated and handled differently from those
specifically called TRANSLATE.
The PREAMBLE CODE shown is ESC,@,ESC,R,NUL. On
an FX-80 printer this resets the printer to a
default state and selects the USA character set.
ESC,Q is the common reset code for almost all
printers, but the QL printer has no optional
3A
USING PRINTER CODES in QUILL
Using the power is simple. Whenever you wish to
use an enhancement not found within QUILL, use
one of the Translate codes we have devised by
inserting it as a text character when a change in
printer function is desired.
Functions can be concatenated (chained) to
achieve a desired effect. Thus double-wide, con-
densed, elite is theoretically possible simply by
preceeding the text that you desire in that
format with OfiO. When you wish to terminate that
effect, simply type 8 (Control -Shift N) to return
to normal (pica, 10 pitch) width.
Some functions are not explicitly provided in the
TRANSLATE codes developed here. You can construct
your own with the « (Control-Shift X) command. A
very useful one is «xl, which turns on the NLQ or
LQ mode of any Epson compatible printer. Use «x0
to return to draft mode.
If you prefer Double-strike to NLQ, try «G («H
turns it off). For real quality, albeit at a slow
pace, combine NLQ and Double-strike.
You are on your own from here as to what features
you want to explore, but there are some WARNINGS !
First, when inserting these new control codes
within QUILL text, QUILL thinks they are print-
able characters. Thus if the code is the first
character in a paragraph, QUILL performs word
wrap and justification as if the code were
printable. It's not, so the output on that line
shifts one or more characters to the left, giving
a ragged right edge to the paragraph.
The common solution is to insert the codes in
what is otherwise a blank line between paragraphs
or only at the end of a paragraph in the blank
spaces remaining. Termination codes are less
often a problem since they generally come at the
end of a paragraph where there are no more
characters to print.
Second, inserting codes within a line so that one
or more words are in a contrasting highlight, as
is done when using italics to indicate a foreign
word is tricky. Changing pitch within a line or
anywhere is even trickier, n'est-ce pas? Sn'est-
ce pas?i
QUILL does not know that pitch has changed when
it formats text. For that you would need text17.
The solution to that is to treat lines that have
custom enhancements as separate paragraphs with
wider right margins. When changing pitch within
a line or a document, some trial and error with
sample print outs may be necessary.
Third, proportional spacing is a simple way to
increase the text on a given page by about 10
percent. Characters such as i and 1 take less
linear space than m or n. It is not recommended
with right justification since there will be a
ragged right edge. To take advantage of the extra
word count extend the right margin 10 percent.
Finally, none of these tricks will work unless a
copy of the printer jiat file is in drive 1 when
QUILL begins to print. You learn the meaning of
frustration if, after all this work, the document
ends up with a batch of garbage instead of the
expected enhancements.
**************
Those . who find that using installjjas is harder
than they like can get custom copies made for
their printer from EMSoft. The charge is $5.00.
With the five dollars send a disk or micro-
cartridge with a working copy of QUILL (or QLWP),
installjjas, install jiat and printer jiat. Include
a photocopy of the pages in your printer's manual
with the printer codes in summary form.
On the returned disk, you will receive a _doc
file demonstrating the printer's power.
As another service to disk drive users, EMSoft
will convert your PSION suite to default to flp_
rather than to mdv_. Send a disk with a direct
copy of each of your four PSION programs and
install_bas and $5.00. A special datesetting
boot with the ability to select any of the
PSION suite will be added.
Get both services together for just $8.00.
Send to:
EMSoft, P.O. Box 8763, Boston, MA 02114
2.5
character sets. On a QL printer, change the
PREAMBLE CODE to ESC,@ so that it resets whenever
a new document is printed. Type ESC,"@ then
ENTER. It should look like ESC,@ with no \
Why the " before the 8? Symbolic codes may be
entered directly in CAPITAL letters. The next
part of the command is separated by a comma. The
@ is preceeded by " since it is not symbolic code
but is needed as part of the command.
You could enter @ in decimal code (64) or even do
both parts in decimal by typing 27,64. When you
press ENTER, it looks like ESC,@.
Also change the POSTAMBLE CODE to be FF, if your
printer does not automatically Form Feed after
printing. (For fun, put in FF,BEL so the printer
signals when finished printing.)
Now move the cursor to the Translate lines. If
you have a QL printer, use the right cursor key
to remove the TRANSLATE!, and press ENTER. All
other Epson compatible printers require this line
so that the £ sign prints correctly.
In the next 8 TRANSLATE lines insert codes that
will permit access to virtually all the printer's
power. First add the capacity to send the ESCape
code to the printer. With it we can manufacture
most other control codes. Then add single keys
that will allow use of condensed, double-wide,
elite, italic and proportional printing.
[Note that older EPSON compatible printers may
not be able to do proportional or italic printing
- check your manual.]
In TRANSLATE2 press the right arrow then type
"«,ESC. (the character « is found with Control-
Shift X, a mnemonic for "Xscape"]. Press ENTER.
The value for TRANSLATE2 should be «,ESC.
Henceforth, whenever you insert « in a Quill
document, it will be translated on its way to the
printer as the ESCape code (decimal 27), and the
character immediately following it will be per-
ceived as an instruction to the printer. More on
this below in USING PRINTER CODES in QUILL.
See TABLE I for what to put in each of the other
7 TRANSLATES. We have left TRANSLATED free for
you to design your own specific code.
-table: i
Translate What you. type Control Function
Code Shift Key
2 "«,ESC X=« Send ESCape to printer
3 "$,SO D=$ Start double-wide pitch (5/in)
4 "£,Si C=£ Start condensed pitch (17/in)
5 "0,ESC,"M E=0 Start elite pitch (12 char/in)
6 "R,ESC,"4 l=fl Turn on italic feature
7 "u,ESC,"p,SOH P=u Start proportional pitch (11/Hn)
8 "e,DC4,ESC,"W,"0,DC2,ESC,"P N=8 return to Normal pitch (10/in)
9 "4>,ESC,"p,"0,ESC,"5 R=<i> Release italic and proportional
Note that the choice of Control-Shift key has mnemonic value - i.e. Control-Shift P
starts proportional pitch and Control-Shift R releases it. Having just one "Release"
key would be nice, but install_bas only allows 10 codes per translate.
Further, Control-Shift N returns the printer to Normal pitch indiscriminately of
which pitches were set. Thus if a section of the document were set for double-wide,
condensed and you wished to change to condensed, it would be necessary to release
both then reinstate the condensed. Piggy-backing the release codes is a function of
the limit of 10 translates in the standard install_bas.
See the text on Using Printer Codes in QUILL_docs.
3.6
**** I, S, D, 0, S, ****
FOR !HE SIMMS QL
- f£KJf5/ Let us see if we can better
understand the ambiguities so that we can use our
systems to better advantage.
'OS', in computer talk, means 'QpvuUing
Sj/4tun". Preceed "OS" with "D", and "DOS" means
"Disk Operating System". "MS-DOS" means Microsoft
Disk Operating System.
The DOS consists of a group of programming
utilities (or tools) used to interact between the
Operator, The Computer, and a MASS STORAGE DEVICE-
a disk drive. "MS-DOS" was created by The MICRO
SOFT Corporation for IBM Computers. "QDOS" is the
system used for the Sinclair Computer, and LKDOS is
the Disk Operating system created by Larken
Electronics for the TS-2063. EMziUitLlly , M oi
ike. DOS pitjo-vn the. 4cune, 4imUioruf though some
perform more elegantly.
The original MS-DOS, created by Microsoft for
the early IBM computers, was programmed for a
computer that had a maximum of 128K of internal
memory, and some of that was reserved for internal
computer "OS" (operating system). Through the
years computers were designed to address (use) more
memory, and other versions of MS-DOS were released
that would take advantage of more memory capacity.
The first MS-DOS was quite limited, because each of
the programming utilities took up memory space when
the utilitys were loaded into the computer's awn
memory.
The Sinclair QL engineers reserved a portion of
the QL's internal memory to store the DOS
utilities. Then Cottage industry developed Disk
Drive interfaces and stored the Floppy utilities in
ROM additions. In some respects Sinclair
computers' DOS are more efficient than MS-DOS
because their DOS utility programming is stored "IN
PERMANENT MEMORY", and thus is faster in operation
than MS-DOS which requires the DOS utility to be
"fetched from disk to Computer Memory".
But there are disadvantages of "fixed Operating
Systems". One major disadvantage is that each
subsequent "version" of the DOS requires hardware
change- a new EPROM to be installed. And, a fixed
memory chip poses problems to the independant
programmers who would like to offer improvements to
the DOS. But to make such improvements would
require the programming of EPROMS to install in the
DOS hardware circuit boards.
OSES LEARNING
Each DOS is designed for User Interface between
the person, the computer, and the disk drive. Most
of the disk operating systems are actually simple
to use, if one will study the available manuals.
The first step is to try to understand the
objectives of the DOS programmers, principle of
which is to transfer information between the
computer and a mass storage device, the disk drive.
The user is furnished with a repertoire of BASIC
commands to cause planned actions to take place.
When one learns these simple Basic commands, the
"Human Interface" becomes efficient. Infrequent
use of the DOS makes the operation seem to be
complex because each simple task requires the
operator to refer to a manual before entering the
basic command. Imagine how difficult it would be
to drive an automobile if one had to study the
manual in order to find where the brake pedal is
located! When one drives behind a "Driver's Ed"
vechicle, the need for operator PRACTICE is
evident. Practice promotes efficiency.
Some of us become accustomed to one DOS and are
reluctant to change to another because of the
seeming complexity of a strange new set of Basic
Commands. Actually our old ana familiar group of
DOS commands may be more complex than the new DOS
that is being avoided. An example of this is my
own reluctance to tackle MS-DOS, which I later
found to be less complex than my favorite TS-2063
LKDOS. The adage, "Old dogs wont learn new tricks"
applies. Actually this old dog is learning new
tricks and finding the process to be enjoyable.
But the process requires a reference book, some
study, and most important, PRACTICE and ERROR
CORRECTION. Practice is needed for the DOS
commands to be remembered for proficiency of
operation. Progressing from Micro Drive commands
to DOS (or MS-DOS) commands is a small step for QL
users.
MS-DOS, and the SINCLAIR QL
I find QDOS, augumented with the Trump Card
57
UPD2VTS
January 1990
Tools (TK2JXT), to be more efficient than MS-DOS.
But there are many advantages to be gained by
learning and using MS-DOS. Generally, programming
support for the QL is declining in England. The
picture in the USA and Canada is improving with
such new programming as is being done by EMSOFT,
Hood and Hind Computing, and a few others. But the
market potential for QL and TS-2068 software is on
the decline.
The largest library of computer software is the
MS-DOS market, where new titles are constantly
appearing and there is a huge hoard of useful
public domain libraries. Also, programming for
MS-DOS seems to be where the most opportunity
exists for qualified programmers. Software support
for the QL and TS-2068 is definitely on the
decline.
Even so, my large inventory of TS-2Q68 and QL
software is so valuable and productive that it
would be foolish of me to discard either of these
fine computer systems. Eventually though, one can
reach a saturation paint with computers and the
space sharing with other members of a family.
The answer may be in acquiring a portable MS-DOS
computer to use in conjunction with my Sinclairs.
Then programs and data files can be shared with the
QL, and Data Files shared with the TS-2068 and Z88.
Tw MS-DOS Emulator Softwares
Last issue Update presented a nice review of
"THE SOLUTIONS", by Dick Wagner. This first
"Imulator": software for the QL marked the
beginning of the QL's use of software that is
designed for MS-DOS operation. I recently acquired
a new QL software called "PC CONQUEROR". Both
Solutions and PC Conqueror are MS-DOS emulator
softwares produced by Digital Precisions Ltd., of
England. PC Conqueror is their latest release. I
have both titles and am greatly impressed with PC
Conqueror. It comes with a disk having MS-DCS
version 4.1 which has some modifications designed
especially for operation with the QL. Both the
disks having the PC Conqueror software and the one
having MS-DOS 4.1 are in 80 track 720K format,
which relieves one problem with the earlier
Solutions software which was in 40 track 360K
format.
I have used PC Conqueror and find it to be
fairly easy to operate. Once PC Conqueror (or The
Solutions) Software does the initial job of
reconfiguring the QL to operate as a MS-DOS system,
the task is turned over to the operator who must
use MS-DOS 3asic Commands to load and operate
MS-DOS software. While the use of MS-DOS "Operator
Basic Commands" is required, they are no more
difficult to master than are the DOS commands for
the QL or the TS-2Q68. One just needs to learn the
MS-DOS commands and pjucti&z to gain familiarity.
m mm
MS-DOS consists of a group of program utilities
that are stored in disk. When one needs to perform
disk functions, such as FORMAT a Disk, or Copy
Files, or LOAD a Data file, etc., an MS-DOS Basic
command is used. The operator's use of the DOS
Commands results in the appropriate MS-DOS utility
program loading to the Computer's memory and the
function being performed.
Compatibility of Software
One needs to understand that all LSM CompcUadlu
vu, not tomplUzty zomp&tiiblz wMi ulcK othu.
Compatability depends upon several factors and are
mostly involved with the programming of a software
for the various IBM systems. There are several
Monitor Systems for IBM systems (Monochrome, EGA,
CGA, etc.). Generally, software that is designed
for high resolution screen dumps to paper will
cause incompatability problems bttutzti IBM 4{f4tm4
as well as with the Sinclair QL. So, a QL user
cannot expect that ail MS-DOS softwares will
operate with either of the two Emulators. But many
MS-DOS softwares are programmed to operate with
"the lowest configuration system" and should work
with the Emulated QL.
QL DISK DRIVE CONFIGURATION FOR MS-DOS .
MS-DCS is capable of operating in IBM systems
having single disk drive, two disk drives, or from
1-4 disk drives and a Hard Drive. The
configuration of the disk drives and their format
depend upon the IBM Disk Controller card in use.
There at least seven disk configurations used with
IBM and IBM compatabie systems. Only turo o4 tkuz
zoniiguA&tiofU uiU u/o*Ji utith SJacMlU iofxpattu.
So, it is important far QL users to select the type
of disk drives that will work with the QL.
The two Digital Precisions softwares mentioned
38
UPDATE MBG3VZINE
January 1990
Mi INTROTCTION TO PC-CQpffiffi
By: Bob Howtung, 2416 N. Co. Line, Road.,
Hbuvt&Uoujn, IN
This MS-DOS EnuiatoA. prvognam is by Digital
Precision LTD and is my first hands on
experience in the MS-DOS environment . So,
this cannot be an in-depth review of MS-DOS.
The sheer mass of books written about MS-DOS
and its application softwares show the
emmensity of the subject. However, my
impressions as a rank beginner may give some
indicators, if not benchmarks, to those who
may be considering buying PC CONQUEROR or to
those who are trying to learn PC-C and MS-DOS.
I'm sure that those who acquire PC-C just
for the learning experience in another
computer environment will find it as
fascinating as I have in the short time that
I've been exploring it. Those who use the IBM
system in their work place should be able to
create files with their QL that will run
happily on an IBM or compatable. PC-C also
includes a program called "XOVER" which can
transfer files from MS-DOS disks to QDOS disks
or to RAM DISK and vice versa— without
loading the PC Conqueror program. Also XOVER
will rename and delete files and do text
conversion between MS DOS and QDOS disks.
Speaking of books, David Lien's MS-DOS
ADVANCED APPLICATIONS is available at Radio
Shack, and is a good source of info about
MS-DOS. Lien's book is written for the 3.20
version of MS-DOS. Another source is
Microsoft Press "Quick Reference Guide To
MS-DOS Ccmrands", which include those new
commands found in version 4.0. (PC Conqueror
is designed around version 4.0 and includes a
MS-DOS version (4.1) modified for the
Sinclair QL. Another good reference is "GW
BASIC FOR BEGINNERS" by Abacus publishers.
The PC Conqueror disk contains an 80K version
of GW BASIC which is initialized by entering
the comrand <GWBASIC>. You break out of GW
Basic by CTRL ESC. Return to MS-DOS is via
entering the ccnrnand <SYSTEM>. These ccnrnands
are not covered in the manual, but are covered
in the GW BASIC reference mentioned.
The PC Conqueror Manual is 85 pages. It
begins with a discussion of what the emulator
is and does and then states that even with the
hefty cost of the complete PCC package, the
cost is but a fraction of buying a PC Clone.
And, those who already have a PC or Clone, or
one available at work, can use their MS-DOS
system disk, thus saving the extra cost of the
4.1 version that is supplied with the PCC
package .
What PC-C does is to mimic as nearly as
possible in a QL the responses and
capabilities of a PC or other computer running
in the MS-DOS environment. The concept of
MS-DOS itself is is an approach toward having
one system oE comuni cat ions, file handling,
and device control , that is compatable with
all other computers that are designed to work
under this same environment. There are
hardware differences and subtle changes in the
ROMs of CLONE systems made to avoid patent and
copyright infringement. Thus some software
written for a "compatable-clone" may not work
in an IBM PC, XT, AT, and vice versa. The QL
with PC Conqueror is no exception.
SPEED: Considerable loss of speed of
software operation is inevitable when an
emulator or intermediate intrepeter is needed
to translate the native language of one
computer system to that of another. The
Manual recomnends that LIGHTNING SPECIAL
EDITION, be installed with PC Conqueror. This
will speed up screen file handling and number
crunching operations. Such increased speed
may not be apparent for operations not
involving those two functions. In particular,
I found no noticable increase in speed in the
display of listing entries in the GW-BASIC
mode, which is VERY SLOW. This is likely
because the keyboard scan must first be
intrepeted for GW Basic, then MS-DOS must
intrepet GW-Basic, then finally, PC Conqueror
must intrepet and translate MS-DOS to QL Dos
equilivant instructions. The MS-DOS Graphics
functions, which are sindliar to LOGO or
Turtle Graphics, also responds quite slowly,
although the screen resolution is excellent.
The PC-C Manual strongly recommends that
the MS DOS Shell and ANSI not be used because
they slow down the processing even more. Most
interactive game programs run far too slow to
be much of a challenge except for those of us
having geriatic reflexes. Also, thee MS-DOS
system disk must be accessed for many ccmrands
to load in the appropriate routine which
further adds to the lag time.
Overall however, since a keyboard buffer
is provided, the operational speed of MS-DOS
programs should be fairly acceptable with
applications such as spreadsheets that require
mostly KBD input, and even with word
processors and data base programs- if you can
remember that you may be typing well ahead of
what is currently on screen.
It is simple to follow the easy
instructions for back up and work copies of PC
Conqueror and MS-DOS Systems disks. Then if
you have an 80 track 720K DSDD system the
manual says "It is simple as 1-2-3 to get PC-C
and an application MS-DOS program running.
With my dual 80 track drives I did not need to
make any changes to load PC-C and the MS DOS
systems disk supplied. (Alternate 360K disks
may be supplied for both if you have 360K
drives.) Customised work copies of PC-C and
MS-Dos disks may be made by using the
"Configure" program in the PC-C disk. Such
customized copies would be for non-standard
configurations or changes in the drive
defaults, KBD scanning, printer allocation,
59
will work with the QL System that has either one or
two disk drives, and format capability of either 40
track 360K or 80 track 72QK capacity. The disk
drive can he either 5 1/4 inch or 3 1/2 inch. The
key is the FORMAT capability. All Sinclair
Computers are designed to use "SHUGHERT" type disk
drives that conform to a standard format called
"Shughert". IBM controller cards use this
standard for their 360K and 720K drives, but
different format standards for their 1.2 mgbt and
1.44 mgbt format.
There may be a capability of using Hard Disk
with the QL, but I am un-aware of such detail at
this time.
WARNING: It you need to buy a disk drive for
your QL, consult with your Sinclair Support Dealer.
Our Sinclair dealers know the type drives that are
compatable with our computers. Also, the cable
fittings for IBM and QL computers are different and
the correct fittings are 'known by our QL suppliers.
It is most likely that your existing disk drives
will be satisfactory for operating MS-DOS software
with the two Emulator softwares mentioned.
Solutions sets up the QL to read, Format, and
operate in the 360K format mJJi thz QL ill tiadt
cUivu, on. with thz QL and 40 txadi <Ubiu [Utkw.
S 1/4" ok 3 1/2'}. Conqiuio* 4iU up thz QL to tU&
the. QL'4 id tiack 71UK ionmt in the. MS-DOS
wvixonmwt.
Single side drives: There are some disk drives
in use that read and write to only one side of the
diskette at the time. While the two Emulator
softwares can be copied to these single side
diskettes/ the operation of MS-DOS softwares
usually requires more "continuous" read and write
capability than the I80K capability of these single
side drives. Single side drives should most likely
be replaced with 30 track DS-DD 720K drives for the
best results.
QUESTIONS To Be ANSWERED :
1. Hill the speed of operation of most MS-DOS
software with the QL be satisfactory?
2. Will the success of Imulation of MS-DOS
software be widespread and include most of the
MS-DOS software titles?
Update Magazine's next issue will bring a
detailed review of this new software, PC Conqueror.
It will be interesting to learn if PC Conqueror
bridges the gap between MS-DOS and the Sinclair QL
sufficiently that it will not be necessary to
actually own another computer that is designed for
MS-DOS operation. My impression is that it will
serve that purpose. But, I will postpone my
decision about buying an MS-DOS portable until the
results are in about the effectiveness of the PC
Conqueror Imulator Software.
For myself there will be a certain amount of
"pride in doing it" if the $140 software will give
me about 70% or more MS-DOS compatability without
having to buy a MS-DOS portable.
The decision whether to depend upon QL Emulator
software or to buy an MS-DOS portable involves two
important results: The effect on one's budget, and
the amount of SPACE required for dual computer
systems. PC Conqueror costs about $140.00 while a
new MS-DOS portable runs between $650.00 and
$7000.00.
If one adds another computer, even a portable,
the Computer desk will need 'stretching' to
accommodate another computer system. (My seven
foot desk may need to be nine feet). Then there
are the raft of new Computer manuals to add to the
library to study.
So, the results of a comprehensive review of PC
Conqueror can be quite valuable and have quite an
impact upon one's future computing plans if one is
determined to start operating in the MS-DOS
environment. Watch with me for the coming review
in Update.
2L, M, AND TS-2068 DATA TRANSFER
It is not possible to operate MS-DOS software
with the TS-2068 or Z88 computers, but there is
capability to interchange data files between these
computers. Both the TS-2068, the QL, and the Z88
can be used in coordination with each other and
with MS-DOS computers to 4/taxe. data, pJiodu&U.
A comprehensive article in the next Update issue
will detail the transfer of data files between
computers of all kinds.
Most TS-2068 Basic programs can easily be edited
and run in the QL by converting the program lines
to ASCII, transfering the file to the QL to be run
with the <MRUN> command.
It really is quite simple to transfer data files
between computers that are in close vicinity, as
"on the same desk or in the same house". A simple
two wire hook up with Short IN-OUT basic
programming does it. The next issue of Update will
have a detailed article about Cross Using data
files between computers of all kinds. -3J_
AO
UPDATE MaGaZIHE
fjSSgB«gjBBW| -I
January 1990
TRUMP CARD USER'S GUIDE
by
Tim Stoddard
INTRODUCTION
I have been using three TRUMP cards now for about a year
and a half now, and I have noticed that there is no real
'USER GUIDE ' available. The very small manual that comes with
the TRUMP card outlines the syntax ( sometimes incorrectly )
but gives very few examples. These series of articles will
bring to light some of the very powerful features of the
TRUMP CARD and TOOLKIT II via real usable examples. The
articles may be assembled into a user guide at some future
time, if enough interest is shown.
I welcome all critiques and suggestions. I want this
user guide as accurate as possible. Feel free to write via
UPDATE MAGAZINE or my home. If you wish an answer please
include S.A.S.E. envelope.
Tim Stoddard
85-48 66th Road
Rego Park, NY 11374-5212
You can also reach me via CompuServe ( 73127,2664 ) or Genie
( xtx53888 ).
NETWORKING
Perhaps one of the most useful and powerful feature of
the QL is the built-in networking facility. The QL's ROM
however contains many bugs that .make using the network
difficult, at best. Qjump's TOOLKIT II ( refered to as TK2
hence ) corrects the bugs and makes the QL's network very
useful .
First I should describe my set-up, which is in use
daily. A total of three QLs are networked over about 75 feet
of bell wire.
QL station #1, where I do most of my work, consists of a
768K TRUMP, 2400 baud modem, dual TEAC FD235 3 1/2" drives,
Tandy CGP-220 color ink jet printer, and a QL Vision monitor.
QL station #2, located in my shop is used to isolate
printer noise ( my wife hates the noise of those dot matrix
printers ), consists of a 768K Trump, TEAC FD135 3 1/2* &
TEAC FD-55F 5 1/4" drives, EPSON LQ500 on serl , EPSON FX286e
with a scanner attachment on ser2, Magnavox 80 monitor.
QL station #3, also located in my shop, is an
'open-frame' QL where I do hardware experiments and new
product evaluations, consists of just a 128K QL, TOOLKIT II
ROM, and a QL Vision monitor.
After a reset the QL will be set to a default station
assignment of 1. This is fine for my work station but the two
shop stations must be set to different station numbers to
avoid conflicts. This is done with the command:
net (station number)
Once the station number has been assigned you can allow
access to your station's resources ( serial ports, drives, Hi
even RAM ) by other stations witii the command:
f serve
January 1990
For instance my shop QL ( station #2 ) is set-up in the
boot file with the following commands:
TK2_ext ( enables TOOLKIT II )
net 2 ( sets it as station #2 )
fserve ( allows resource access by stations
1 and 3.)
PRINTERS
In order to use these remote resources, just proceed the
desired device with the station number it is attached to. For
instance, on my system, to use the LQ500 from the main QL I
would send the output to n2=_ser1 . Page 2 of the TRUMP user
manual touches on this incorrectly! It states that instead of
using the 'default' printer option within QUILL you should
key in 'n1_ser1' or, in my case, to print to the LQ500 I
should key in 'n2_ser1'. If you try this ( go ahead and try
it now ) you will end up with the file 'n2__ser1' on the
default data drive! So what do we key in? The Psion programs
look for the underscore character as the first character and
then assumes a device name follows. So the proper device name
that the Psion programs look for Is:
__n2_ser1
*** MANUAL CHANGE ***
PAGE 2, 4th paragraph, second to last sentence change
N1_SER1 to _N1_8ER1 .
*** NOTE ***
It appears that only the PSION programs look for this
begining underscore. All other programs accept the N1_8ER1
format.
The entire squence for printing to the LQ500 from Quill
would be:
<F3>
<P>
< ENTER >
< -ENTER >
_ r»*_s®r 1
If you wish to always use that deetl nation (as I do),
you can change the driver with the install program. After you
start the program it will ask you if the device is a serial
device ( Press < ENTER > ) or the device 1s a parallel or
non-standard serial port ( Press <SPACE>). PRE88 the <8PACE>
bar. Select your printer driver with the arrow keys and press
the <F2> key to edit. Use the down arrow to select the port
option and press the right arrow key to change. Now key in
the station number with the device name in the same format as
we did previously. Don't forget this is a PSION printer
driver so use that leading underscore! Key 1n:
command mode
print
default current
do-f Mhelft document
overide the driver default and send
output to station #2 sen device.
_n2_ser1 for my set-up.
DYNAMIC PRINTER BUFFER
This facility works very nice but does have some
limitations not described in the manual.
PRT USE like the other 'USE' commands in TK2 will match
a 'device string' to a 'usage string* for any device calle.
The syntax of this command is PRT_USE [usage] , [device] . The
42
UPDATE M?J2AZIHE
January 1990
default at TK2 initialization is PRT_USE PRTfSER. TK2 will
substitute any device names containing ' PRT ' with ' SER '
before giving the device name to QDOS. So if you were in
QUILL and wanted to send output to your printer on SER1
buffered, you would key in the sequence:
<F3>
<P>
< ENTER >
< ENTER >
_PRT1
TK2 would see the 'PRT' and substitute it with 'SER' and open
the SER1 port to take output from the print buffer where it
has stored the document. The end result the user sees is that
the cursor has returned much sooner and you are able to
continue work while the printer is printing away.
TK2 uses a text 'trap' facility in it's USE commands (
PRT_USE5 PR0G_USE, ETC ). ANY device name used in the TK2
environment will be checked against all of the 'USE'
variables. Note that this is strictly a text; match and does
not have to be a real device! This is why sending output from
QUILL to ' PRT1 ' works. You could use almost any name. For
instance:
PRT_USE buffered fser
will allow you to be descriptive from QUILL:
<F3>
<P>
< ENTER >
< ENTER >
.buffered 1 ( or _buffered2 )
will send output VIA the printer buffer to SER1 ( or SER2 ).
These names will, of course, also work in the printer driver
itself since TK2 will trap ALL device names before they go to
QDOS. Try it now! Re-install your QUILL printer and use
_buffered1 as the 'port' name in the driver.
*** THE LIMITATION ***
PRT_USE will not accept network names!! For instance:
It's too bad too! It would be a nice command. There is a way
around this. On my set-up I use the following command in the
boot file for station #2:
PRT_USE SER, SER
This will buffer any device calls for SER1 or SER2
transparently since it substitutes 'SER' for 'SER'." This
includes device calls VIA the network! Since my device driver
on station #1 is set-up to send output to _n2_eer1 and
station #2 buffers any device calls to SER1 , all output from
QUILL on station #1 is sent through the network to station #2
where it is buffered and then sent to SER1 ! All invisible to
the user. I get my cursor back at station #1 fairly quickly
while station #2 prints out my document in another room where
printer noise is not a problem.
Can you send graphics through the network and then
through the printer buffer? YES. I send output from several
graphic programs including: EYE_Q, THE PAINTER, PROFESSIONAL
PUBLISHER, PAGE DESIGNER 2, and TK2 ' s built-in screen dump
facility SDUMP. Transfer through the network is about the , _
same speed as saving the file to microdrive which 1s *t J
considerably faster than waiting for your cursor while
printing a screen dump or Desk Top page locally!
PRT_USE PRT,N2_SER
WILL NOT WORK
UPDATE JffiGaZIKE
HBUBBBBBSfeSm* 1 1 11
ni-iiw"'M M-i ti
January 1990
Finally, the command PRT_ABT works as the manual states:
it cancels the currently printing file. The command does
force a form-feed thus allowing any subsequently queued files
to start on a new page.
FILES SYSTEM
File system handling via the network is quite straight
forward, however, the example given in the User Manual is
misleading.
Access to any other QL's ( running FSERVE ) directory
devices is quite easy. You simply preceed the path name with
the station number. For example to get a directory of station
#2's disk:
dir n2_f1p1=
Simple! To copy a file from station #3 to station #1:
copy n3_flp1_f llename.f lp2_f ilename
for a lot of f i les:
wcopy n3_flp1_ to f1p2_
There is a command available in TK2 to simplify nameing
conventions, especially for end-users in a large network
having no knowledge of QDOS or TK2: NFS_USE. It is similar to
the other 'USE' commands in that it substitues r~ physical
device names for a logical name. It 1s different in that it
allows a 1 ist of up to 8 "physical device names to1, be
substituted for the logical name and a trailing number of 1
to 8.
The example from the manual was:
NFS_USE mdv,n2_f Ip1_,n2_f 1p2_
TK2 will now 'trap' all device calls containing 'mdv' and
substitue the logical name. For instance:
dlr mdv1_ (after executing the above NFS_USE)
will give you the directory of n2_flp1_.
d1r mdv2_
will give you the directory of n2_flp2_!
Nice, but you'll now notice that you no longer have access to
your microdrives! Substituting 'flp' for 'mdv' has the same
affect you have lost accees to your station's disk
drives. There is a use for this, of course! For stations that
have no drives or a number of stations that you want to limit
access to only one set of drives, this is ideal.
The manual implies that 'USE' name must be a physical
device not so! The boot file for station #1 in my
set-up contains:
NFS_USE LAN , n2_f 1 p1_, n2_f lp2_, n2_mdv1_, n2_ram1_,
n3_f 1 p 1 _ , n3_f 1 p2_ , n3_mdv 1 _ , n3_mdv2_
To access flp2 on station #3:
dir LAN6_
UPDATE
I DEB3BB a*^^ 1 1 11
Iflrriwr*" im ■ i I tl
January 1990
TK2 traps 'LAN' and substitutes the physical device from the
list matching the number following 'LAN* giving us a
directory from the physical device n3_flp2_.
wcopy LAN8_ to LAN4_
is the same as:
wcopy n3_jndY2_ to n2_ram1_
but easier to understand and fastsr to type in from a user's
point of view.
Although the manual states that only directory devices
should be used, other devices will work. For instance:
NFS_USE LAN,n2_f1p1_,n2_ser1
does work and printing from QUILL substituting the last
option 'printer* with '_LAN2_* results in sending the output
to n2_ser1_!
EditoA.'^ note,: I am -6uajl that the. KeadojU, appnjeciate. thU jinst pant o4
Tim'* TAump Manual and ute. -took. ionmand to the, next episode.. My impna**ion oj
the. Tnump cue*. manual ^applied by Minacle. System* is that It is "good ion, as
ion. a* it goo*" . Aiten. "bloating up" the. page* exactly ioun, time* thein
oniginal *ize. the. page* ana, 8 1/2 X 11", njeadable, and cannie* a wealth o4
inionrnxtion that is given, in. venjy bnie4 4 own.
We. nave, alsaxjy* needed an. -in-depth expansion, oi the. Tnump manual to
betten. leann and take, advantage, oi the. outstanding tools and pnjoceaunes o4
the. Tnwnp cand System. I highly njejcomnend that ALL tnump Cand ounen* take,
thein UttlU manual to a copy *hop and have. the. page* enlarged to iuU *ize.
page*. Then it and Tim'* "Advanced Tnump Guide." utill become, a complete,
neienjwce..
Update, utill continue. Tim'* anticle* until he. is iinAshed utith the.
expanded manual. The. page* utill be, annanaed *o that thene. one. no
continuation* an. othen. anJJjcle* mixed in. ThU uay you. can. take, the. page* to
a. copy *hop and build yoan manual a* it i* p>ve*ented. La*t page* *uch a*
thi* one, can be masked oU and the. blank *pace. used ion, note*. This *enie*
promise* to be. one. oi the. mo*t valuable. n*4eAances ion, Sinclair QL LUens.
EMSof t
Software for the QL that cmmllr work*
W« sail real world software that doaa real work on a QL computer, much of
which 1» tax deductible. There are business, financial and technical
applications. Most operate under one of the PSION programs.
Use any of theae programs even 1f you're scared to death of ARCHIVE" or
ABACUS* . Instructions teach what's really needed but otherwise they are
tranaparent. All are fully editable for special requirements.
Prices are from $9.95 for QLUTter, a resident boot utility, to $2850.00 for
a site license for CAM MASTER, a friendly CAD program for circular came
that generates the CNC code to a vertical mill controller. (Get the demo
first; it's only $9.95 and really shows the power of the QL.
Expanded and improved versions of TRUST_FUNO 1.3, MAILBAG 2.0 and
QLAND_LORD 1.3 are available for $4.95 with the original medium. There's
DBTutor, a flash-card program, and OBProga with 5 useful Archive utilities.
We have The_Tranaf er_V3, for HP compatible laser printing of DTP files and
a range of other useful, hard-working aoftware for the QL .
Order TAX-l-QL/89 by November 22 to get a $19.95 early-bird diacount.
PSI0N'« PC-FOUR for MS-DOS computer a 1s only $99.95.
(Ever see Easel output to an HP Plotter?)
We create much of our * own software but we market software by other
progranroers. Please call/write for details about our arrangements.
Send for our catalogue which explains things in detail.
EMSoft, P.O. Box 8763, Boston MA 02114 (617) 889-0830
45
UPDATE MAGAZINE l^gySviJ-J January 1990
EVERY MONTH DOMINO CUBES WILL GIVE UPDATE READERS
HINTS AND TIPS ABOUT THE REMARKABLE Z-88 COMPUTER.
THE BEGINNER'S MANUAL BY MIKE FINK WHICH IS SUPPLIED FREE TO
HIS Z-88 CUSTOMERS, WOULD BE OF LITTLE VALUE REPRINTED HERE
IF YOU DO NOT YET OWN A Z-88. IF YOU ALREADY OWN THE Z-88,
THE ADVANCED MANUAL OFFERS USEFUL HINTS AND TIPS AND EXCERPTS
FROM THAT MANUAL WILL BE PRINTED HERE BEGINNING THIS MONTH.
I WILL BEGIN BY TELLING YOU SOME OF THE THINGS THE Z-88 CAN
DO THAT ARE NOT COVERED IN THE CAMBRIDGE MANUAL
1. YOU CAN PRINT DOUBLE WIDTH, ELITE, DOUBLE STRIKE,
PROPORTIONAL, OR ANY COMBINATION OF THESE ALONG WITH THE ONES
THEY DO MENTION.
2. THE PIPEDREAM SCREEN SHOWS 6, 12 CHARACTER COLUMNS A-F.
YOU CAN ADD COLUMS, DELETE COLUMNS, CHOOSE THE WIDTH OF ANY
OR ALL OF THE COLUMNS. YOU CAN ADD UP TO 6?6 COLUMNS! !!!!!!!!
3. YOU CAN INSTANTLY MAKE NEWSPAPER TYPE COLUMNS BY TABS.
4. YOU CAN DO MATHEMATICS INSTANTLY ON THE PIPEDREAM
SCREEN WITHOUT MAKING A SPREADSHEET, OR GOING TO BASIC. THE
NO. 676 IS THE RESULT OF 26x26. I DID NOT KNOW THE ANSWER BUT
AS I WAS TYPING THIS, I NEEDED THAT ANSWER, SO I INSTANTLY
FOUND A BLANK SLOT OR LINE, AND PRESSED ♦ X, WHICH HI-LIT THE
SLOT MY CURSOR WAS IN. I THEN PRESSED 26, WHICH MADE
ITSELF VISIBLE ABOVE COLUMN C. THIS WORKING AREA ALLOWS ME TO
WRITE THE INFINITE NO. OF MATHEMATICAL PATHS I DESIRE BEFORE
I PRESS ENTER. AFTER ENTER, THE MATH CALCULATIONS OCCUR AND
THE RESULT IS SHOWN IN THE SLOT YOU HAD THE CURSOR. I CHOSE
TO WRITE 26x26 AS 26^2. 26x26 MUST BE 26*_26 TO WORK.
26^2 MEANS 26 RAISED TO THE SECOND POWER, OR 26 SQUARED, OR
26 TIMES ITSELF; IN ANY CASE IT GAVE ME THE ANSWER I NEEDED
IN LESS THAN 7 SECONDS, WITHOUT MY LEAVING THE SCREEN OR THE
DOCUMENT I WAS WORKING ON.
5. I CHOSE TO CHANGE THE 72 CHARACTER WIDE SCREEN, TO A 61
CHARACTER SCREEN. I PRESSED ■ AND- THE LEFT ARROW UNTIL THE
VERTICAL ARROW IN THE COLUMNS CAME TO REST AT 61, ONE PAST E.
I COULD HAVE CHANGED COLUMN A TO WIDTH 61 ALSO, BUT THE WORDS
WOULD NOT AUTOMATICALLY WRAP AROUND UNLESS THERE WAS A
PRINTED SCREEN CHARACTER IN THE NEXT SLOT, OR THE ARROW WAS
MOVED TO THE RIGHT SPOT. SEE INSERT ON HRAP-OPTIONS PAGE ♦ O
THE PURPOSE OF THIS MONTHLY COLUMN IS TO HELP THOSE WHO OWN
THE Z-88 AND TO ENTICE THOSE THAT DON'T* INTO BUYING IT. OF
COURSE I HOPE YOU CHOOSE DOM I MO CUBES WHEN YOU DECIDE
TO BUY THIS WONDERFUL MACHINE.
mmmm
FORMATTING
FORMATTING
FORMATTING
FORMATT I NG
DCMINO CUBES
355 West 39th St.
NY, NY 10018-1401
Tel: 212 971 5638
President . .Mike Fink
* * * ♦ * ^ V ♦ * * V
JUSTIFY SHOULD ONLY BE USED WHEN TYPING FONT CODES THAT DO NOT CHANGE THE
WIDTH OF THE WORD ! JUSTIFY WORKS ONLY ON THE TEXT TYPED AFTER YOU SELECT
IT FROM THE OPTIONS PAGE #0. IT DOES NOT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE DIFFERENT
SPACING OF THE WORDS THAT HAVE CODES THAT CHANGE THE SPACE THEY USE. THE ONLY
CODES THAT ARE USABLE BY JUSTIFY, ARE THOSE WHOSE SPACE REQUIREMENTS DO NOT
CHANGE WHEN THE CODE IS APPLIED? IE; BOLD, ITALICS, SUPER AMD SUBSCRIPTS.
ALL OTHER CODES, INCLUDING PROPORTIONAL, REQUIRE MANUAL ADJUSTMENT. I HAVE
FOUND, THAT FOR ME, IT IS EASIER TO NOT USE THE JUSTIFY, IF I AM USING
CODES THAT CHANGE THE WORD WIDTH. PROPORTIONAL KILLS JUSTIFY.
THE MAXIMUM NO. OF CHARACTER WIDTHS FOR ONE PRINTER EDITOR IS 7. THEY ARE
SHOWN AT THE BEGINNING OF THIS PAGE. TO DO THIS, USE THE ELITE. PE, WHICH IS
DESCRIBED IN MY ADVANCED MANUAL, MANUAL B. ALL OF THESE INSTRUCTIONS APPLY
hb
SPECIFICALLY TO MY SQUARE-DOT, C-130, 80 COLUMN PR INTER J ALTHOUGH THEY
PROBABLY APPLY TO MOST ALL OF THE OTHER DOT-MATRIX PRINTERS AS WELL!!
THE FIRST STEP IS TO CHOOSE WHICH CHARACTER WIDTH YOU WISH TO USE FOR MOST OF
YOUR DOCUMENT. THEN CHOOSE A TOTAL COLUMN WIDTH EQUAL TO THE TOTAL NO. OF
CHARACTERS THAT WIDTH CAN PRINT ON AN 80 COLUMN PAGE, LESS 2 MARGINS. THE LEFT
MARGIN YOU CHOOSE FROM ♦ AND THE RIGHT MARGIN BY MOVING THE VERTICAL
ARROW, (TO THE LEFT OF COLUMN R ) , TO THE NEEDED POSITION, WITH >, OR
■<-- . THE SCREEN STARTS YOU OFF WITH SIX 12 CHARACTER COLUMNS, ASSUMING YOU
WISH A 4 CHARACTER MARGIN LEFT AND RIGHT, WHICH WOULD ADD UP TO 80 IF YOU USE
NORMAL PICA WIDTH CHARACTERS. IF YOU USE NARROWER CHARACTERS, YOU CAN FIT
MORE OF THEM IN THE SAME SPACE, BUT THE PRINTER WILL ONLY PRINT THE 72 SHOWN
ON YOUR SCREEN ! IF YOU WISH TO PRINT ON PAPER THE EXTRA CHARACTERS, YOU MUST
INCREASE 72 TO WHAT YOU NEED. YOU CAN EITHER, INCREASE THE WIDTH OF ONE OR
MORE COLUMNS, OR ADD MORE COLUMNS. IN BOTH CASES THE PAGE MAP WILL NOT LET YOU
SEE THESE ADDITIONS, UNLESS YOU NARROW THE PAGE MAP. YOU CAN GO TO «S AND
CHANGE HAP SIZE ACCORDINGLY.
IF YOU WISH TO SEE 7 LINES OF TYPING ON THE SCREEN, INSTEAD OF 6, YOU CAN
CHANGE BORDERS ON THE OPTIONS PAGE FROM Y_ TO N_.
YOU CAN USE ITALICS AND BOLD AT THE SAME TIME ON A WORD AND STILL USE
JUSTIFY. BOLD DOES NOT WORK ON ELITE NOR CONDENSED.
MORE NEXT MONTH!
200 REM
220 PRINT"SET SCREEN WIDTH TO- -80 WHILE TYPING PROGRAM! I"
260 PRINT-THE LEFT AND RIGHT APOSTROPHES ARE NOT SYMMETRICAL ON THE
1501 YOU SHOULD USE THE 8 INGLE AP08TR0PE FOR BOTH. ON THE C-130, THE
LEFT APOSTROPHE IS REACHED BY DIAMOND THEN APOBTROPHE. "
280 PRINT-THI8 PROGRAM WILL PRINT THE Z-B8 CHARACTER SET IF YOU U8E
THE CLI-PE."
300 PRINT
320 PRINT-IF S-B3-UNDERLINEI 66-BOLDi BB-EXT.SEQ.l 73-ITALICBl 76-BU
BSCRIPTl B2-8UPERSCRIPTI 63-C0NDENSEDI AND 69-DOUBLE WIDTH"
340 PRINT
360 PRINT-TURN OFF SQUARE + P, TYPE GOTO (NEXT LINE NO), CHOOSE S, T
URN ON SQUARE + P"
3B0 STOP
400 INPUT" INPUT 8 - "I 8
420 PRINT
440 P-OPENOUT"«PRT.0"
460 PRINT4P, CHR« <3> +CHR* <9 1 ) /-v , , 1<1JOO vA s.)KJ\^.
480 PRINT#P,CHR«<3)+CHR«<8) © JO«S ^ hM**-
300 WIDTH < 70)
320 F0RX-32T0126
340 PRINTXf" - "|CHR»X|
360 NEXT
3B0 FORY-160 TO 163 8TEP3
600 PRINTYI" - "|CHR«Y|
620 NEXT
640 PRINT»P,CHR*<5)+CHR»<S)
660 PRINT#P,CHR«<5)+CHR«<93)
INPUT 8 -
7
B
B
32 -
33
!
34
35
36
37 -
38
fc
39
40
<
41
42 -
*
43
+
44
i
45
46
47 -
/
48
0
49
1
50
2
51
92 -
4
53
5
54
6
55
7
56
37 ■
9
58
I
3*
1
60
<
61
62 -
>
63
7
64
8
65
A
66
67 -
C
68
D
69
E
70
F
71
72 -
H
73
I
74
J
75
K
76
77 -
M
78
N
79
0
80
P
81
82 -
R
83
8
84
T
85
U
86
87 -
W
B8
X
89
Y
90
z
91
92 -
\
93
3
94
95
96
101
97 -
•
98
b
99
c
100
d
102 -
f
103
9
104
h
105
i
106
107 -
k
108
1
109
n
110
n
111
112 -
P
113
q
114
r
113
B
116
117 -
u
118
V
119
M
120
X
121
122 -
Z
123
<
124
1
125
>
126
160 -
163
£
S.M.U.G. Presents
Th. 1990 SINCLAIR COMPUTER Exposition
MILWAUKEE WISCONSIN
June 2 & 3 /Banquet Friday Night June 1
SEMINARS, DOOR PRIZES, SWAP SHOP,
SOFTWARE, PERIPHERALS, HARDWARE,
AND LOTS OF OTHER STUFF
Location
WAUKESHA HOLIDAY INN (4 1 4) 786-0460
Hwy 18 & 194 Waukesha, WI 53186
There will be a SNUG meeting Saturday Night June 2, 1990
One day : $ 4.00 $ 5.00
Both days : $7.00 $9.00
Banquet : $16.00 $16.00 Limited seating
Table : $25.00 (incld. 2 day badge} $25.00 Limited table space
Tables are 6 feet by 30 Inches
For MORE INFORMATION coiilnet
Bill Heberlein Neal Schultz
5052 N. 91st Street or call 7 - 10pm
Milwaukee. WI 53225 (414) 353-4522
for RESERVATIONS mail to:
Expo Reservations
P.O. Box 101
Butler. WI 53007
Bultiply by three the enjoyoent that can com froi your
S.H.U.S. Video Digitizer I TS206B with thii new software!
VIDEOTEX i Capture a video ieaoe froe a VCR, video
caiera, etc., I view it in thirteen greyscale leveli!
VIDEO 3-D: Creates a 3-D representation of a
video itage captured by V1DE0TEI in either noroal 3-D or
inverted 3-D. (See ad title for an exaaple of the 3-D
effect.) Four different Z-axis 'depthf* aay be selected.
VIDEOCOPY: Only for owners of an OK I BATE 20
color printer with IBB parallel Plug 'n Print cartridge.
Alio*! a video iaaqe captured by V1DE0TEI to be hardcopied
in 13-level b/w greyscale or in color. Very colorful
hi-res 'aodern art" depictioni of the original b/w video
iaaqe are autoaatically produced froa a video data flit.
A color editor is available for custoa 'colorizing'.
This software is priced at I9.?5 post-paid each, and coies
with coaplete user notes k video digitizing suggestions.
Send LSASE for additional inforaation and order fori toi
JOHN BcBlCHAEL. 1710 PALBER DR.. LARABIE, XT B2070
Wanted Timex 2068 Portuguese computer,
WAFERS A&J-20 OR COMPATIBLE. ZX COMPUTING
magazine back issues: 1984 and before.
Sinclair Usr : CFebruary. March. May,
July 86X CMarch 87). Your Sinclair and
Crash magazines any issues. Spectrum 48
Hardware. British & American utilities.
Send your list to : Francis P. Barrett
735 S. Cline Avenue. #11; Newton. NC
28658 or call: C704) 465-4971. .
SOrnS MATck
1
FIR MLEI T8-2048, MI flicroOivi, OWl-EBU loard, ZX-ll, ZX
Pr liter i In keyboard, KEROPtt 44K, 9E Caiiitti w/Arcltr
Aiplifiir, Haay arcanei lor 20*8 mi* ZX-ll iicliilif
PlMl-prlit Pro (Inclidei 12k Miory boardl aid Rot Z iiisaclir
(alio lies tta PP PRO Hnory board). Nuy books ei TS-2MI,
ZX-ll (TM0W1 aid Z-M itcroprociiaor. Kaay tapei I nafiri.
Many coplei lyalax, CTB, SYMCi T9-Horl:on, a»d Tin leal an,
lilt of fir over 1209. Slid MK fir craoliti Hit. Hward tadiey
11415 Froitiir Trail, CHirry ?iIUy C» ?222!. PI (714) 143-3314
•*8
Eczl <G i ' EE? lj EnterpriseE
F> o Box #2186, Inglewood, CA. 90305
Info » 213-759-7406 « Order
After Holiday Specials
Seikosha SP-1000AS LARK EN Disk l/F
SERIAL Printers With LKDOS (v.3)
$119.95 + $10 S&H $125 + $5 S&H
Epson/IBM compatible, 100 cps (draft),
20 cps (NLQ), 9 pin DM, friction, tractor,
and cut sheet feeder. 2 yr. warranty.
RS-232 (DB-25) l/F, for the QL & Z88.
Graphics capable and Front Panel Controls.
Printer CABLES (QL, Z88, DB-25): $12.50
Additional RIBBONS, $5.00 each with order.
Printer Accessories; stand-$10, cover-5»5
OR a tested, ready to run, Lai ken System,
with your choice of 5.25" (400K, DS,DD) or
3.5" (BOOK, DS, DD) 1/2-height floppy drive
(includes case, PS, cable).S275 + $10 S&H
Second 5.25" or 3.5" CASED drive: $105.00
Disk Drive Power Supply: $12.50 + S3 S&H
Dual Floppy Drive Cable: $12.50 + $3 S&H
LKDOS (v.3) cart, for JLO: $65 + $5 S&H
<Hiniiui order $20, liniitii Sin $3 (double SSH in Can,), COD (USA only) add $3,75>
Send $1.00 and SASE (wiih 45 cents postage) for a catalog.
Call The Grey Hatter BBS t RCP/M (213-971-6260)
1 HE CAP UAL AREA T 1 HEX /B I NCLA IR UBER'B GROUP
C.A.I.S. la « not-for-profit qroup devoted to eerving the
intereeta of thoae who own, ui», or are interested in the
1 im»H\Bincl air family of computers.
CO. 1.8. maintain* a gratia exchange of , nawal etter a with
approKlmataly 30 Uaara Broupa acroaa tha U.B. and Canada.
NEW9I E C1ER
Membarshipa coat *1B par yaar , ara good for 12 monthe, and include
all prlvllegee < accaaa to librariea, group buye, ate). A nawalettar
only aubacrlption ia aval labia for paraona living outalda tha
Waahington Metro Area end la *I2.00 par yaar.
CATS
C.A.T.S. BBS
<301) 308-0579. 8-N-l. 300 baud only. Nawa and general information.
21 hours a day.
C.A.T.B. PUBLIC DOMAIN LIBRARY < 206B-BPEC7RUM ONLY)
C.A. r.B. maintaina a tapa library of approximately 130 programa on
b audio tapaa. A few of the programa may not run, however, the batch
ia atill worth tha price.
PRICES f APE LIBRARY
MEMBERBi *1.25 par tape <*7.SO for complete library > plua *1.«0
poataga.
NON-MEMBERBi *3.00 per tape ( *lB.OO for complete library > plua
♦1.40 poataga.
TO PLACE AN ORDER i Bant your requeat and check ( made out to
.A.1.B > 10 JOE WAYNE MILLER
1704 DAYTON RD.
HYATT9VILLE, MD.
20783 -
*9
SYSTEMS
3.5" Drive Systems
Dual 3.5" Ml tsubishi 4 0 0 K-
Thli great little system includes 2-3.5"
Mitsubishi SSQD drives, case w/ps, cable
w/cnds and interface. Complete package!
READY TO PLUG AND GO!
ORDER RHGitP 1 03 $ 325 ♦ $ 0 PI!
Dual 3.5* Teac BOOK System-
includes 2 Teac FD135 DSQD drives, case
w/ps, cable k Interface. HUGE CAPACITY!
ORDER RH6IFII9 $ 4 2 5 ♦ $ 0 Pll
Many mora packages available!
Just call or write with what you want.
Prices start at only $17?. 75 plus PH.
Individual components also available.
5.25" Drive System
Dual 5.25' BOOK System-
This system comes complete with the disk
Interface, dual 5.25" DSQD drives, cable
and case with power supply. This gives
you a mass storage area of 1, MM 0 r 000
bytes of data and programming. We set up
and test EVERY drive set that we sell!
niternate Interfaces-
If you want expanded memory with your OL
disk system, we can supply TRUMP CARDS
starting as low as 1250 (236K). Other
sizes available upon request.
WRITE FOR INFO OR CATALOG <*3>
m mm - ixws - mdm - mum - mrats
nmtas - mar mm - a mob - Bmrnm
m mm m m smiair gt m m mm
For ALL of your computer needs, CALL-
NTERJPRK
1419 1/2 7th Street
Oregon City, OR 97045
503/655-7484 Noon-IOPM Pacific Tue-Sat
50
Live Music
Archive
Librivox
Free Audio
Metropolitan Museum
Cleveland
Museum of Art
Internet
Arcade
Console Living Room
Open Library
American
Libraries
TV News
Understanding
9/11